Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite - a culinary masterpiece that combines tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and vibrant pesto in a quick and mouthwatering meal. This Pesto Chicken Sautéed Cannellini Beans recipe is not just another dinner option; it's a gourmet experience that will revolutionize your weeknight cooking, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans in a colander under cold water, then let them drain well.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking.
- Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the drained cannellini beans to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the beans with the chicken, allowing them to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, pour in the pesto sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken and beans evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dish to heat thoroughly.
- Once everything is heated and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, spoon the pesto chicken and cannellini beans onto plates or a serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious Pesto Chicken Sautéed Cannellini Beans as a delightful Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor impact - homemade or premium store-bought
- Pat chicken dry before sautéing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior
- Don't overcrowd the skillet to help the chicken brown properly
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
