Description
A rich Italian-inspired dish with seared chicken breasts, a velvety basil pesto cream sauce, and sweet burst cherry tomatoes. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort, this elegant weeknight recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in one pan.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup basil pesto
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering
Place chicken in the skillet and sear 5-6 minutes per side until golden; transfer to a plate
Add cherry tomatoes to the same pan and cook 3-4 minutes until burst
Stir in minced garlic, pesto, and heavy cream until smooth and combined
Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F
Garnish with fresh basil before serving
Notes
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for faster cooking
Use multicolored tomatoes for vibrant presentation
Check pesto labels to avoid cheese or nuts
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work & School
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 2 tablespoons pesto cream sauce
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 220mg