Description
Creamy Mozzarella Pesto Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy basil pesto sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor and pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and basil pesto until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted for shredded mozzarella.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Homemade pesto provides the freshest flavor.
- Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American