Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight
Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, herbaceous pesto sauce and creamy goodness. This easy-to-make recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience, perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With vibrant flavors and a luscious texture, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- In a bowl, combine heavy cream, pesto, minced garlic, and Parmesan; whisk until smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the seared chicken in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve hot, garnished with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg