On evenings when time slips away like sand through fingers, a one-pan wonder like Creamy Pesto Chicken is your culinary savior. It’s a symphony of creamy, savory, and herby notes that somehow makes you feel both cozy and sophisticated. Imagine a busy Tuesday, the kind that makes you wish for a pause button—this dish is like hitting that button, even if just for dinner.
Steps
- Cut each chicken breast into two thinner pieces or flatten them to an even thickness and then halve them. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes in total. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add minced garlic and halved grape tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Pour in the pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through, then serve hot.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 lb. in total)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pesto for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use various types of pesto for this dish. While basil pesto is commonly used, red pesto or any other variety can also work well. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
- What can I serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken?
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or garlic bread, which can help soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter side, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Absolutely. You can enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as spinach, artichokes, or broccoli. These additions not only complement the flavors but also add nutritional value.
- Is it possible to make this dish more indulgent?
- Yes, to make the dish richer, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top or even add crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- How can I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?
- To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, fillet the breasts into thinner pieces or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking. Cook each side of the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 7-10 minutes in total.
Tips
- For extra flavor and a touch of indulgence, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or even some crispy bacon to the dish.
- Personalize the meal by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or broccoli for a nutritious boost.
- Experiment with different types of pesto, such as basil or red pesto, to discover new flavor profiles and find the one that suits your taste.
- Serve the creamy pesto chicken with pasta, rice, or garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce, and pair it with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for evenly cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Meat Pounder – If you choose to pound the chicken to an even thickness, a meat pounder or meat mallet will be necessary.
- Garlic Press or Mincer – For efficiently mincing garlic cloves.
- Kitchen Tongs – Useful for flipping the chicken in the skillet without losing the coating.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife is important for slicing chicken and halving the grape tomatoes.
