Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Recipe: Irresistibly Savory Comfort

Whipping up a delectable garlic pesto chicken transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures.

Pasta and tender chicken pieces create magic when combined with rich, herbaceous sauce.

Basil leaves bring vibrant green excitement to your plate.

Fragrant garlic infuses each bite with intense Mediterranean flavors.

Kitchen skills matter less than passion when preparing this straightforward recipe.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that will make you feel like a professional chef.

Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Overview

• Savor Quick Gourmet Flavors: A dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinner Experience: Create a luxurious-tasting meal in under 30 minutes that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and creamy pesto sauce, this recipe offers a balanced and satisfying dining experience that doesn't compromise on taste or health.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

• Chicken Strips: Tender protein that serves as the main ingredient in this flavorful dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile and add depth to the overall dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Basil Pesto: Creamy mixture that creates a rich and herbal sauce base for the chicken.

• Onions, Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide texture, sweetness, and complexity to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking oil that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Finishing touches that add a salty, cheesy element and fresh herbal brightness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Magical Pesto Cream Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Basil pesto

Blend until smooth and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Return skillet to the stove and add olive oil.

Sauté onions for 2 minutes. Toss in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 30 seconds until wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Add Colorful Veggie Companions

Introduce bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes until peppers become tender and slightly softened.

Step 5: Merge Sauce and Vegetables

Pour the prepared pesto cream sauce into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes, letting the sauce slightly thicken and chicken warm through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Elevate with Finishing Touches

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil over the dish.

Serve alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds sing.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed. Reduce cooking time for bell peppers to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming soggy or overcooked. Select fresh, high-quality pesto for maximum flavor intensity, preferably homemade or from a local deli for the best taste profile. Control sauce thickness by adjusting heavy cream and broth quantities – less liquid creates a richer, more concentrated sauce while more liquid provides a lighter consistency. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

• Vegetarian Pesto Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, seared until golden brown for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy pesto flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Seafood Adaptation: Substitute chicken with fresh shrimp or white fish, creating a lighter coastal-inspired version of the original recipe that complements the pesto sauce beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, making the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant and vegan dietary preferences.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

• Crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy pesto sauce, cutting through richness while highlighting herb and garlic notes with refreshing acidity.
• Rustic Focaccia or Ciabatta provides perfect texture for soaking up the luxurious pesto cream sauce, adding delightful crunch and absorbing intense flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean-style mixed greens with light vinaigrette balances the dish's richness, introducing bright, tangy elements that cleanse the palate between bites of savory chicken.
• Lemon-infused sparkling water or light Italian mineral water refreshes the taste buds, offering a clean counterpoint to the dish's robust garlic and herb characteristics.

Storage Guidelines for Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains safe and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• How do I get the most flavor from the chicken?

Marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help the spices penetrate deeply and enhance the overall taste profile.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to introduce a spicy kick to the dish without changing the core recipe.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb the pesto sauce flavors excellently.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

The recipe is protein-rich and includes vegetables, making it a balanced meal. However, the heavy cream and cheese contribute to higher fat content, so moderate portion sizes are recommended.

Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty creamy garlic pesto chicken delights palates with Italian-inspired comfort. Rich pasta combines tender chicken and herbal pesto sauce, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preserved in oil, drained and finely chopped)
• 2 small bell peppers (any color, sliced into thin, long strips)
• 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsps basil pesto
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnishing)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking chicken.
2. Sprinkle chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Whisk heavy cream, chicken broth, and basil pesto in a mixing bowl until smoothly combined, creating a creamy sauce base.
4. Reintroduce skillet to medium-high heat, adding another drizzle of olive oil. Sauté diced onions until translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
5. Quickly incorporate minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors, about 30 seconds.
6. Toss sliced bell peppers into the skillet, cooking until tender and slightly softened, roughly 4 minutes.
7. Gently pour prepared pesto cream sauce into the vegetable mixture, allowing it to simmer and thicken while developing rich, layered flavors.
8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce and heating for an additional 2 minutes to marry all ingredients.
9. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil over the top. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness and maintain juicy, tender meat.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting black pepper or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Low-carb adaptation works perfectly by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
• For dairy-free versions, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg