Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It combines tender chicken breasts with smoky turkey bacon, fresh basil pesto, and a luscious plant-based cheese sauce for a rich and flavorful dish that pleases both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup plant-based heavy cream alternative
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan, sautéing gently until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh basil pesto (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Pour in the plant-based heavy cream alternative and sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly while stirring to thicken the sauce. Simmer gently, stirring often until smooth and luscious.
- Combine and Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Top with chopped turkey bacon and shredded plant-based cheese. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and flavors meld. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden crust.
- Use fresh basil pesto (natural) for vibrant flavor and color.
- Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent sauce separation.
- Add natural gelling agent gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy pesto chicken, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, quick dinner, gluten free, weeknight meal
