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The Ultimate Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore!

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  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 35 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

How to make creamy pesto chicken with tender chicken, rich pesto sauce, and a touch of cream that’s ready in under 30 minutes and your family will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large shallot, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Seasonings:
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Finishing Touches:
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add shallots and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened. This creates a delicious flavor base for our Creamy Pesto Chicken.
  3. Build Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Simmer Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it evenly in the luscious sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and absorbs the rich flavors of this Creamy Pesto Chicken.
  5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. The goal is a perfectly balanced flavor for your ultimate Creamy Pesto Chicken. Ensure the sauce is rich and creamy.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and toasted pine nuts. Serve your delightful Creamy Pesto Chicken immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal!

Notes

Don’t overcook chicken when searing or simmering; tender is best for the ultimate Creamy Pesto Chicken.

Store cooled Creamy Pesto Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts, adding more moisture and flavor; adjust cooking time slightly.

Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread; garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan for best results.

Lightly toast pine nuts and crush some into the pesto sauce for an even richer, more complex flavor profile.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Tree Nuts