Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines tender chicken strips with a rich, creamy sauce infused with basil pesto, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Vibrant bell peppers add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, while freshly grated Parmesan and basil provide the perfect finishing touch.
This dish is simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy pesto sauce is perfectly balanced with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or as a standalone dish.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (preserved in oil), drained and finely chopped
• 2 small bell peppers (any color), sliced into thin strips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons basil pesto
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 7–8 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and basil pesto until well blended. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
1. Return the skillet to the stove and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
1. Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for approximately 4 minutes, or until tender.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
1. Pour the prepared pesto sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
3. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
1. Garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
2. Serve hot, either on its own or with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
• Pasta Pairing: Serve over linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-style meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Make Ahead: Prep the vegetables and sauce mixture ahead of time for a quicker meal.
• Customize: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toss in baby spinach for extra greens.
Storage Options
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is a rich and satisfying dish that combines classic flavors with a creamy, modern twist. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
