Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious? Say hello to One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken—your new go-to recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, homemade pesto cream sauce, all cooked in just one pan! With a prep time of only 10 minutes and a total cook time of 30 minutes, this Italian-inspired masterpiece is perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, ensuring even coating.
- Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a clean plate. Keep warm by covering with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and slightly blister.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate pan drippings.
- Add pesto to the cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy pesto sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving. The sauce should be thick and coat the chicken beautifully.
- Serve hot, ideally with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can season the chicken and prepare the pesto cream sauce in advance. This way, all you have to do is cook the chicken and combine everything when you're ready to eat.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If necessary, pound them to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality pesto for the best results.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or milk. This will still provide a creamy texture without being too rich.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers along with the cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 545kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 57g
Fat: 64g
Saturated Fat: 32g
Cholesterol: 265mg
