In this article, we will provide you with 6 delicious and easy pesto chicken recipes that are perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. Pesto chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether it’s paired with pasta, served with a salad, or eaten on its own.
One of the main benefits of making pesto chicken is that it is a quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Additionally, pesto is packed with flavor from ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, adding a delicious and aromatic element to the dish.
The main ingredients you will need for these recipes include chicken breasts or thighs, store-bought or homemade pesto sauce, and a few additional ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. From a classic baked pesto chicken to a creamy pesto pasta dish, these recipes are sure to become staples in your dinner rotation.
So, whether you’re a pesto lover or new to the flavor, these 6 Easy Pesto Chicken Recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and become go-to meals in your recipe repertoire.
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavor from basil, garlic, and more
- Versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways
- Great for busy weeknights
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2. Creamy Pesto Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This flavorful dish combines tender chicken in a rich, creamy pesto sauce highlighted by tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (120 ml)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (50 g)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Cooking Method
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and pesto. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.
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2. Baked Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella and Cherry Tomatoes
This delicious dish combines the vibrant flavors of pesto with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, creating a comforting and easy-to-make dinner option.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto sauce
- 1 cup (175 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
Cooking Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread pesto sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top with sliced mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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1. Classic Pesto Chicken
This classic pesto chicken recipe combines savory pesto with tender chicken breasts, creating a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
- Top each breast with pesto sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pesto.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
2. Pesto Chicken Pasta
Enjoy a delightful fusion of creamy pasta and flavorful pesto chicken in this quick and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) pesto sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
Cooking Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat and stir in pesto and cream until combined.
- Toss pasta with the pesto chicken mixture.
- Serve immediately.
3. Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers
These grilled pesto chicken skewers are perfect for a barbecue, bringing a fresh and zesty flavor to your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Cooking Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken, pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Serve hot.
4. Pesto Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan
This simple sheet pan recipe offers a balanced meal with pesto chicken and fresh vegetables, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Brush chicken with pesto sauce.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve straight from the sheet pan.
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