Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a quick and vibrant dish combining fresh basil pesto with a light and luscious plant-based creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken breasts. Ready in under 30 minutes, it suits busy weeknights or cozy meals, offering a flavorful, fresh, and satisfying experience that pairs well with rice, pasta, or greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, trimmed and cleaned
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup plant-based cream (natural)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the plant-based cream and stir gently. Add the fresh basil pesto, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken remains moist.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken breasts and drizzle with the luscious sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped toasted pine nuts for a fresh, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Fresh pesto provides the best flavor; homemade or store-bought works well.
- Add the natural gelling agent sparingly to achieve desired sauce thickness without over-thickening.
- Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness; sauté just until fragrant.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, plant-based cream, basil pesto, quick dinner, gluten free, creamy sauce, sautéed chicken
