Creamy Pesto Chicken
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delightful dish combining tender chicken with a rich pesto sauce, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips Ensure strips are even for uniform cooking.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto Store-bought pesto works great and saves time!
For the vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped Can substitute with fresh tomatoes.
- 2 small bell peppers, cut into long thin strips (any color) Feel free to customize the vegetables, such as adding zucchini or spinach.
For garnish
- Chopped fresh basil For garnish.
- Grated parmesan For garnish.
For cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Use 1 tablespoon for chicken cooking and 1 for sautéing vegetables.
Instructions
Cooking Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick skillet.
- Season the chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and pesto. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
Cooking Vegetables
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining olive oil. Stir in the onions and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook over medium-high heat for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and continue cooking for 4 minutes, or until fork tender.
Combining Ingredients
- Pour the prepared pesto sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Taste for salt and pepper; adjust to taste.
Serving
- Garnish with parmesan and basil before serving.
Notes
Creamy Pesto Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, pair with pasta, rice, quinoa, or a side salad for extra nutrition.