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CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN

Looking for a healthy, flavorful chicken recipe? Try this Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe by Dr. Cindy Tanzar! Perfect for low-carb dinners, healthy weeknight meals, or special occasions. Incorporate keywords such as "healthy pesto chicken," "easy chicken dinner," and "low-carb pesto recipe" to help more readers discover this delicious dish.

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.