Creamy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables
Introducing the One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken with Vegetables—a delicious and easy dish that effortlessly caters to busy weeknights and get-togethers. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between rich creaminess, vibrant basil flavors, and wholesome vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Succulent chicken breasts dance in a creamy, dreamy pool of vibrant pesto sauce. But wait, it gets better! We're throwing in a colorful medley of veggies to join the party. It's a celebration on your plate, and your taste buds won't want to miss out!
Feel free to make this vegetarian by replacing the chicken with portabella mushrooms! Super tasy.
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb chicken breast cutlets (or 4 cutlets)
- Salt and Pepper
- Olive Oil
- 4 cups of vegetables, chopped in large chunks or strips. (zucchini, mushrooms, onions, peppers, squash, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes all work well, or even leftovers from the fridge)
- ⅓ cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Chili Flake (optional)
- Toasted pine nuts for garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breast cutlets dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides. (Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, cut them in half horizontally so that you have thinner pieces.)
- In large skillet, heat olive oil (about 2 tbsp) until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken to the heated skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning over once. Remove from the skillet.
- If needed, add a little bit more extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add vegetables. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened.
- In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix together the basil pesto and cream.
- Add the chicken and any juices back to the skillet. Pour in the pesto and cream mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a minute or so.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, add lemon zest if using. Add pine nuts and fresh basil for garnish.
Notes
- To make it vegetarian, use portabella mushrooms in place of the chicken.
- I use the toasted pine nuts and basil for garnish, especially when entertaining.
- Use your favorite combination of veggies. Note, if using broccoli, pre-cook it until tender first.
- Serve this over pasta, rice, farro, or like I do with just crusty bread.
- To serve with your favorite pasta, feel free to double or triple the amount of basil pesto and cream mixture to make a bit more sauce for your pasta.
The creamy pesto chicken is the star of the show, but those veggies provide the perfect supporting act, adding depth and nutritional value to this weeknight rescue meal masterpiece. It's a well-rounded dish that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you're a frazzled parent seeking a quick and hearty meal to tame the chaos of a weeknight or a party host in search of a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests begging for seconds, the One Skillet Creamy Pesto-Perfect Chicken is your ultimate kitchen companion.