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Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Pesto Chicken combines tender skinless boneless chicken breasts with fresh basil pesto and a luscious creamy sauce made using plant-based cheese (plant-based) and plant-based heavy cream alternative. This dish is quick to prepare, flavorful, and comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave rich and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 cup plant-based heavy cream alternative
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (natural)
  • 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based)
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
  2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and pour in the plant-based heavy cream alternative. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  3. Add Pesto and Cheese: Reduce heat to low, then whisk in the basil pesto (natural) and shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based). Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Add lemon juice for brightness and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken pieces. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken heats through. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier meat.
  • Maintain low heat when cooking the sauce to prevent separation of plant-based cheese (plant-based).
  • Fresh basil pesto (natural) provides the best flavor; use homemade or fresh store-bought.
  • Allow the chicken to rest briefly off the heat before serving to retain juices.
  • Add a small pinch of natural gelling agent if the sauce requires extra thickness.
  • Garnish with toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves for added texture and color.
  • Serve alongside garlic-roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, or steamed green beans for a wholesome meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, plant-based cheese, basil pesto recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, easy chicken recipe, plant-based creamy sauce

Find it online: https://familycookspot.com/creamy-pesto-chicken/