Description
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious creamy basil pesto sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese, delivering a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired main course that’s quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the basil pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving. Pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- For added greens and flavor, stir in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes while simmering the sauce.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
