Creamy Pesto Marry Me Chicken (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy basil pesto and sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Searing
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and sliced
→ Sauce
07 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
08 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Finish
11 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
12 - Extra grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Add heavy cream, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Return chicken breasts with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Cover and simmer 7 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- That creamy pesto sauce is so good you will catch yourself eating it straight from the pan with a spoon.
- The sun dried tomatoes add little bursts of tangy sweetness that make every bite exciting.
02 -
- Do not rush the sear because that golden crust is where half the flavor lives in this entire dish.
- Simmer the sauce gently because boiling will cause the cream to break and you will lose that silky texture.
03 -
- Let the chicken rest for three minutes after the final simmer so the juices redistribute and every slice is moist.
- Check your store bought pesto for quality because some brands taste flat and others are so vibrant they carry the whole dish.