Description
Creamy Mozzarella Pesto Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy basil pesto sauce with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy restaurant-quality meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or 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 chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black 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 minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and basil pesto until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix until incorporated.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Cover for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella can be used for an extra creamy texture.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for more vegetables.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Homemade pesto provides the best flavor.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American