Description
Creamy pesto chicken delight brings Italian restaurant magic right to home kitchens with minimal effort. Juicy chicken nestled in herbal sauce promises comfort and flavor that will make dinner feel special for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken fillets (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
Sauce and Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) basil pesto
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly seasoned for maximum flavor absorption.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and warm olive oil until it shimmers with a gentle heat signature, indicating optimal cooking temperature.
- Carefully introduce seasoned chicken fillets into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy internal texture.
- Rotate chicken pieces after 6-7 minutes, cooking until each side achieves a perfect caramelized finish and internal temperature indicates complete doneness.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping warm and preserving its succulent characteristics.
- Without cleaning the skillet, introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface and release intense flavor notes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base, then incorporate basil pesto, stirring consistently to develop a harmonious, velvety sauce.
- Gently reintroduce cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the creamy pesto mixture.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, thickening slightly and allowing flavors to intertwine for 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated, transforming the dish into a decadent culinary experience.
Notes
- Cooking chicken to golden perfection ensures juicy, flavorful meat with a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum aromatic flavor that elevates the entire sauce’s complexity.
- Opt for high-quality basil pesto to enhance the sauce’s richness and authentic Italian taste profile.
- Allow chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb maximum flavor and maintain optimal moisture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and provides a more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
- Medium heat is crucial for preventing sauce separation and achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg