HOW MUCH PESTO DO YOU NEED?
This dish can be made with any pesto. This time, I used basil pesto. But a red pesto would be great. Pesto can be quite expensive, but many brands are more affordable. You can find Alessi, Barilla and Classico or Filippo Berio.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ADD?
If you want to elevate this dish, the creamy pesto sauce can be used with many different ingredients. For extra vegetables, add spinach, artichokes or broccoli. You can add grated Parmesan to this dish for an extra indulgent flavour. I wouldn’t mind adding bacon.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN
The sauce is rich and creamy and will not be wasted. Serve this chicken with rice, pasta, or garlic bread. The sauce can be spooned over pasta or rice or served in a bowl with crusty bread.
The sauce is rich, so you want to serve something light and fresh. This is an opportunity to make a side salad.
CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN
Creamy pesto chicken makes a great main dish and is quick, easy, and delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 breasts of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb. total) ($6.59)
- 1/8 tsp salt ($0.01)
- 1/8 tsp pepper ($0.01)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided ($0.32)
- 2 cloves minced garlic ($0.16)
- 1-pint grape tomato, cut in half ($2.00)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream ($0.62)
- 1/4 cup pesto ($0.99)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Divide the chicken breasts into 2 pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both ends.
- Over medium heat, heat a large skillet. Once the skillet is hot, drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil and stir to coat. Cook the chicken in the skillet until it is golden brown. This should take approximately 7-10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. The remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and the halved grape tomato should be added to the skillet. Let the tomatoes cook for five minutes or until they begin to soften.
- Stir the heavy cream, pesto and tomatoes into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
- Toss the chicken with the sauce and tomatoes in a skillet. Turn the chicken to coat it. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes to heat through. Serve immediately.
