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Chicken in Pesto Cream includes delicious savory sautéed chicken, with a creamy pesto sauce, and served over pasta with tomatoes and peas, and topped parmesan cheese.
I LOVE pesto! It adds such flavor and depth to my favorite foods. The basil, oil, parmesan, and pine nuts in pesto combine for such a unique nutty flavor.
For a weekday supper, I cheat and used prepared pesto. To me it is not cheating because tastes amazing, and is a fantastic time saver.
The recipe is written for boneless, skinless chicken breast halves but chicken breast tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work as well. I believe in using ingredients you have on hand. I also used elbow macaroni because that is what I had on hand, but any pasta would work.
I love adding additional vegetables to the dish. I added diced tomatoes and green peas but feel free to use any vegetables.
Did I mention you can make this recipe in 30 minutes! Whoohoo!
For which weeknight are you going to make this Chicken in Pesto Cream?
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni pasta or pasta of choice
- 14.5 diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
- 1 cup cooked peas drained
- 1/4 cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, and drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Place chicken breast halves between two pieces of plastic wrap, and pound thin. Remove from plastic.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- When the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on one side for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn and and cook on the other side for another 5 - 7 minutes. Remove from pan.
- Add butter and allow to melt.
- Add flour and stir to combine with butter until it is like a thick paste.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour in half and half (can use cream or milk). Stir until thickened.
- Stir in the prepared pesto.
- Pour the pesto cream sauce over the drained pasta. Stir to coat. Stir in the drained tomatoes and peas. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese.
Monday – Chicken in Pesto Cream Sauce by Flavor Mosaic
Tuesday – Hamburger Stroganoff by Noshing With The Nolands
Wednesday – Watermelon and Mint Pesto Cucumber Noodle Salad by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Thursday – Fried Tofu with Sesame Soy Dipping Sauce by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Friday – Peppery Caramelized Onion Egg Curry by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, a home cook with 25+ years experience, and former AllRecipes Allstar, creating bold & easy Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Featured in publications like Parade and BuzzFeed. Read More…
Shaina says
Yum! I am such a big fan of pesto (as evidenced by my post today, and my post for Wednesday haha)
Michele says
LOL! I am too. I have to try your Pesto Potato Salad also. Can’t wait for Wednesday’s post.
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
Oh wow Michele this looks just delicious! Kid friendly too! I’m bookmarking this to try for sure!!
Michele says
Thank you!
Tara says
I sure could dive right into that meal, it looks amazing!!
Michele says
Thank you!
Marion@Life Tastes Good says
This looks like a fantastic dish! I love pesto and a creamy pesto just knocks my socks off!! yummmm
Michele says
Thanks!
Liz says
Perfect weekday supper….I love one pot meals! And this one looks delish!!!
Michele says
Thanks!
Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
This looks absolutely delicious! Love all the flavors you have in here!
Michele says
Thanks!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I love any pasta and this one looks like a winner! Great flavors!
Michele says
Thanks!
Sandra Shaffer says
Thirty minute meal never looked so tasty! Love skillet recipes. Such a time saver on busy evenings, which seems like always in my house 😉
Michele says
Thanks Sandra
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
I use prepared pesto all the time. It’s such a time saver and adds so much flavor to dishes. This looks like the perfect weeknight meal, Michele!
Sarah says
Holy moly this looks good. I love any type of pasta. Pinning for later!
Mary Ellen says
Beautiful dish, going to try this for sure one night this week.
Rach @ Eazy Peazy Mealz says
My daughter loves pasta, like so much. I will be making this for dinner very soon! Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe. And I love your blog name!
Kristin @ Dizzy Busy and Hungry! says
I love pesto too! And I love how versatile this recipe is.Thanks for sharing!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Wow! I am loving the flavors in this! 🙂 Perfect for an easy and tasty weeknight dinner!
Jen says
I love creamy pesto, so this is my kind of comfort food! and I love that you can achieve all that flavor in just 30 minutes!