Description
This creamy pesto chicken is an easy and delicious skillet meal, featuring tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breast (about 2 large)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ to ⅓ cup basil pesto (or more to taste)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and place between plastic wrap. Pound the thicker parts to create even cutlets. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes each side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. If using garlic powder, wait to add it until after the cream is added.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Whisk cream and cornstarch together, then pour into the skillet without boiling. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in pesto and parmesan into the sauce, then return the chicken to the skillet and turn gently in the sauce. Simmer until heated through.
- Serve immediately over linguine or spaghetti, with extra pesto, parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly for uniform cooking.
For a richer sauce, feel free to add more pesto or parmesan to taste.
Serve this dish over your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 160mg