Description
Creamy pesto chicken delight invites culinary adventurers into a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Parmesan, basil, and tender chicken merge in a luxurious sauce that delivers rich flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pieces chicken fillets, boneless, skinless (1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- ½ cup basil pesto (120 ml)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (25 g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt (5 g)
- ½ tsp black pepper (2.5 g)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Seasoning: Thoroughly massage chicken fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration across entire surface.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium flame until surface shimmers, then carefully place seasoned chicken fillets, cooking 6-7 minutes per side to achieve golden-brown caramelization and complete internal cooking.
- Flavor Development: Remove chicken and retain skillet drippings; introduce minced garlic, releasing aromatic essence before adding heavy cream and basil pesto, whisking to create smooth, vibrant sauce.
- Sauce Integration: Return chicken to skillet, gently coating each piece with creamy pesto mixture, allowing ingredients to harmonize during 3-5 minute gentle simmer.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into sauce, stirring until completely melted, creating a luxurious, velvety coating that elevates the entire dish’s complexity and richness.
Notes
- Seasoning Strategy: Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile and promote even cooking.
- Temperature Control: Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, maintaining chicken’s moisture and tenderness.
- Sauce Consistency: Stir cream and pesto continuously to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to ensure complete integration and prevent clumping or uneven distribution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg