Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to make something delicious and satisfying for your family without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup of pesto
- 8 oz. of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the pesto and cream cheese until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and spread the pesto and cream cheese mixture evenly over each breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of the pesto and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in pesto for a few hours before baking. This will help infuse the chicken with the flavors of the pesto.
- You can also use homemade pesto for a fresher and more authentic flavor.
- Serve the Creamy Pesto Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pesto and cream cheese until well combined.
- Spread the pesto mixture over each chicken breast, covering it evenly.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the creamy pesto chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Chicken:
- Use homemade pesto if possible for the best flavor. However, store-bought pesto will work as well.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the pesto. This will ensure that the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet. Simply season the chicken and bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes before spreading the pesto mixture over it and adding the shredded mozzarella.
- For an extra flavor boost, add some diced sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
Creamy pesto chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy pesto sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken and melted mozzarella, making for a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s a must-try dish?
