Imagine a dish that combines the rich, herbaceous flavors of pesto with tender, juicy chicken and a luxuriously creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet feast. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds – and the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breast, 1 cup of pesto sauce, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, and olive oil for cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil, enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
- While the skillet is heating, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breast to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts down.
- Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy pesto sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Once everything is heated and well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy pesto chicken warm, garnished with additional fresh spinach or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat meat.
- Pesto Power: Use high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully too.
- Cream Consistency: Simmer the cream and pesto sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 140mg
