Creamy Pesto Chicken by Dr. Cindy Tanzar
We’re excited to share a flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for maintaining your health or celebrating a special occasion: Creamy Pesto Chicken. If you love basil and fresh flavors, this dish will become a favorite in your weekly meal lineup. The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and vibrant cherry tomatoes makes for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, delicious experience.
Meal Plan & Serving Details
- Suitable for: Maintenance Plan or Special Occasions
- Servings: Customizable — keep portions reasonable according to your plan recommendations
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved (optional but adds flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup Rao’s pesto (or any clean-ingredient pesto)
- 1/2 cup organic heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken
1. Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with pink Himalayan salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the halved grape tomatoes (if using), chicken broth, heavy cream, and pesto. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Simmer and Finish Cooking
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10-15 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash more broth to loosen it. Once done, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions for CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN
For a complete, low-carb meal, serve this creamy pesto chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for added flavor and presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
Final Tips
- Keep portions in line with your maintenance or dietary goals to enjoy this dish guilt-free.
- Use high-quality pesto with clean ingredients for the best flavor.
- Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.