Tender chicken simmered in a creamy basil pesto sauce — a simple, one-skillet comfort meal perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup basil pesto
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Optional: spinach, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds. Add broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
Stir in cream, pesto, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to skillet and simmer 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Serve hot with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with basil and extra cheese.
Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
For added greens, stir in spinach or zucchini.
Sauce can be doubled for serving over pasta.