Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic and basil pesto sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight meal, ready in 30 minutes.
4 Servings
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 packed 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
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and basil pesto until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 2 minutes, until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Cook the Bell Peppers
- Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes, or until the peppers are fork-tender.
Add the Pesto Cream Sauce
- Pour the prepared pesto sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
Return the Chicken to the Skillet
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Simmer the mixture for an additional 2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
To make this Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken gluten-free, ensure that the following ingredients are certified gluten-free:
- Basil pesto (some varieties may contain gluten as a stabilizer or thickener).
- Chicken broth (verify that no gluten-containing additives are present).
- Parmesan cheese (generally gluten-free, but always confirm with the manufacturer).
Serve with gluten-free pasta, rice, or a gluten-free bread option.