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Creamy Red Pesto Chicken

Creamy Red Pesto Chicken: Comfort Food in Just 30 Minutes

This Creamy Red Pesto Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner option, ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter can be replaced with olive oil for dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons Oil from sun-dried tomatoes or regular olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced; garlic powder can be used
  • 1 medium Onion chopped; substitute with shallots for milder taste
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes adjust based on preference
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste or fresh chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup Cream 20% fat or half-and-half; substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved; diced regular tomatoes can substitute
  • 1/2 cup Basil leaves torn; parsley can be used if basil isn't available
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan omit for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons Toasted sunflower seeds pine nuts are an alternative; omit if allergic

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine sunflower seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, oil, dry basil, grated Parmesan, and tomato paste. Pulse until well-combined but still slightly textured, about 30 seconds.
  2. Transfer homemade red pesto to a bowl and set aside while preparing the chicken.
  3. Season chicken fillets with sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat butter and a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until onion is translucent.
  5. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of water and add halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until they burst.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then mix in the creamy red pesto and cream, stirring until combined.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then stir in fresh basil leaves.
  8. Top with toasted sunflower seeds and red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.

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