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Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and comforting skillet dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines vibrant Italian flavors with a creamy, luscious texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, cut into thin strips (any color)

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp pesto

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl or on a cutting board and season evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to impart a balanced flavor base.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Onions: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the finely chopped white onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
  4. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to release aromatic flavors and soften the tomatoes.
  5. Cook Bell Peppers: Add the thinly sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender yet slightly crisp, adding vibrant color and crunch.
  6. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, and pesto until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet once the bell peppers are cooked.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken subtly and the flavors to meld.
  8. Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  9. Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving to add freshness and an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for different protein options.
  • Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Use smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or cayenne pepper for added heat.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or use half-and-half for a lighter creaminess.
  • Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
  • Try different pesto variations like sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for unique flavor twists.
  • Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan to accommodate dietary preferences.

Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, pesto chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet, easy Italian chicken, chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper chicken, one-pan chicken dinner

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-recipe/