Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight
Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight is a quick and delicious dish that elevates ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet masterpiece. Tender chicken is coated in a rich, creamy basil pesto sauce, creating an irresistible flavor combination perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish guarantees to impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy each delightful bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and scrape any bits from the pan. Stir in the basil pesto until well combined.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Pour the sauce over the seared chicken in the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish pairs well with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.