Print

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy pesto sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines rich, savory flavors with fresh ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into strips
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into thin strips

Sauce

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp pesto

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to heat.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, season chicken strips with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to ensure even coating.
  3. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 2 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
  6. Cook bell peppers: Add the thin strips of bell peppers and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and tender.
  7. Prepare sauce mixture: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, and pesto. Mix thoroughly for a creamy texture.
  8. Simmer the sauce: Pour the cream mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  9. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken to desired consistency.
  10. Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are cut into uniform strips for even cooking.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a depth of flavor; make sure they are well-drained before using.
  • The dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Pesto Sauce Chicken, Easy Dinner, Low Sodium Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-recipe/