Description
A quick and flavorful Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a smooth, plant-based cream and fresh basil pesto sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish combines vibrant herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon for a rich yet fresh meal perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, fresh or thawed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (plant-based)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the fresh basil pesto and plant-based cream. Mix gently until the sauce is silky and fully combined. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, then simmer lightly for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over each piece. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm through and evenly coat the chicken with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto, homemade or fresh store-bought, for brighter flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Simmer the sauce gently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in moisture.
- Add more plant-based cream for a richer, thicker sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, quick dinner, plant-based cream, basil pesto, easy chicken recipe, gluten free
