Creamy Pesto Chicken!

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless)
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
• 0.5 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
• 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup Pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 piece Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)
• 8 oz Pasta or Rice (cooked according to package)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

   Pat the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

   Time: PT2M

2. Sear the Chicken

   Heat a large skillet over high heat, add a splash of oil if desired, and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: high heat

3. Sauté Garlic in Butter

   Remove the chicken to a plate, lower the heat to medium, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium heat

4. Deglaze and Reduce

   Pour the chicken stock into the pan, scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until reduced by roughly half.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Create the Cream Base

   Turn the heat to low and stir in the milk followed by the softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low heat

6. Add Pesto and Parmesan

   Stir in the pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing everything to meld into a vibrant green sauce. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: low heat

7. Re‑heat Chicken in Sauce

   Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let them warm through for 2–3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: low heat

8. Serve

   Plate the chicken with a side of cooked pasta or rice, drizzle extra sauce, and garnish with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

35g

Carbohydrates

10g

Fat

30g

Fiber

1g