Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream: An Easy & Flavorful Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Discover a true culinary gem with our Pesto Chicken featuring a vibrant Basil Tomato Cream sauce. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary dish, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Imagine tender chicken breasts, generously stuffed with aromatic basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese, then perfectly grilled and crowned with a luscious, fresh tomato and basil cream sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that promises to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
For many home cooks, chicken breasts can be a challenging ingredient. Often, they turn out dry, bland, or simply uninspiring. I confess, for years, chicken breasts and I had a complicated relationship. My preference leaned heavily towards the more forgiving and flavorful chicken thighs, which rarely disappoint. In fact, it had been a full two years since I last shared a recipe specifically featuring chicken breast meat. The slight caloric advantage of breasts rarely seemed worth the risk of a sub-par meal, especially when thighs offer so much more in terms of succulence and rich flavor. However, every culinary rule has an exception, and this Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream is undoubtedly mine. It’s a dish that fundamentally alters my perspective on this often-maligned cut of poultry.
This recipe is a genuine game-changer for chicken breast skeptics. It’s meticulously designed to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and moisture, addressing all the common complaints about this lean cut of poultry. The secret lies in a clever combination of an irresistible stuffing, a perfect grilling method, and an incredibly delicious, vibrant sauce that elevates the entire dish. No longer will you dread cooking chicken breasts, fearing dryness or lack of taste; instead, you’ll eagerly anticipate preparing this simple yet elegant meal that truly redefines what a chicken breast can be. It’s a testament to how the right preparation, thoughtful techniques, and high-quality ingredients can transform a seemingly plain protein into something truly exceptional and utterly crave-worthy, bringing gourmet flavors to your dinner table with surprising ease.
This particular iteration is a thoughtful adaptation of an older, much-loved recipe, which you can still explore here. Just like with my updated Tuna Noodle Casserole, I believe in preserving culinary history and the journey of recipes, so the original post proudly remains. While the accompanying photos in the old post might be, shall we say, “craptacular” (a charming term for less-than-perfect food photography!), the recipe itself is undeniably fantastic. For years, it held the esteemed title of my all-time favorite way to prepare chicken breasts, producing results that were consistently delicious. The only downside? I rarely made it. The step of pounding chicken breasts flat with a meat mallet, while effective for even cooking and tenderizing, often felt like an extra hurdle that deterred me, especially after a long and tiring day.
Recognizing the clear need for a more accessible yet equally delicious version, I embarked on a mission to create this simplified adaptation. This new and improved recipe masterfully retains all the delightful elements of its predecessor – the vibrant pesto, the succulent chicken, and the exquisite basil tomato cream sauce – but critically streamlines the preparation process for modern weeknight convenience. The most significant and welcomed change? Absolutely no pounding required! This means significantly less prep time, less cleanup, and ultimately, less fuss, making it far more likely you’ll incorporate this amazing dish into your regular meal rotation. As an added bonus, and to enhance both flavor and moisture, I’ve generously added a luscious layer of mozzarella cheese to the stuffing. This elevation in the filling ensures an even more tender and gooey center, transforming each bite into a truly indulgent experience. This thoughtful evolution means you get all the gourmet taste with none of the typical hassle, making this Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream an absolute winner for busy food enthusiasts seeking both convenience and extraordinary flavor.
The Irresistible Filling: Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts
The very heart of this incredible dish, and a key factor in transforming plain chicken breasts, lies in its profoundly flavorful stuffing. Each chicken breast is carefully butterflied – a simple technique that involves slicing horizontally almost all the way through to create a convenient pocket. This pocket is then generously filled with two powerhouse ingredients: rich, aromatic basil pesto and creamy, comforting mozzarella string cheese. The basil pesto, whether lovingly homemade or a meticulously selected high-quality store-bought variety, plays a crucial dual role. It not only infuses the chicken with its signature bright, herbaceous, and subtly garlicky notes, creating an incredible depth of flavor, but it also significantly contributes to the chicken’s moistness as it cooks, acting as an internal marinade that prevents it from drying out. Meanwhile, the mozzarella, chosen in its easy-to-use string cheese format, melts into a warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying center. This provides a delightful textural contrast and a creamy, savory surprise with every single bite. This simple yet remarkably effective stuffing technique guarantees a juicy, intensely flavorful, and incredibly satisfying chicken breast that stands miles apart from its unstuffed, often dry, counterparts, ensuring a memorable dining experience every time.
Crafting the Glorious Basil Tomato Cream Sauce
While the pesto and mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts are undeniably fantastic on their own, it is the addition of the vibrant basil tomato cream sauce that truly elevates this meal to gourmet status, making it an unforgettable culinary experience. And the truly best part? This elegant sauce is incredibly fast and surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you to whip it up effortlessly while the chicken grills to perfection or even as it rests after cooking. This sauce is nothing short of glorious – a rich, velvety concoction that perfectly complements the robust, pesto-infused chicken. Its preparation begins with fragrant garlic, gently sautéed in a touch of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, building a foundational aroma that promises depth of flavor. A crucial splash of dry white wine is then added, used to deglaze the pan and adding a subtle, sophisticated tang and a layer of complexity as it boils down and reduces. Subsequently, rich heavy cream is introduced, simmering gently to achieve a luscious, thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Finally, the sauce welcomes its fresh, vibrant elements: finely chopped ripe tomatoes and generous amounts of shredded fresh basil. These additions impart bursts of vivid color and a light, summery essence, balancing the richness of the cream. A final good pinch of kosher salt perfectly harmonizes all the flavors, creating a sauce that is simultaneously creamy, savory, and wonderfully fresh, proving that simplicity often yields the most profound tastes. This sauce isn’t merely an accompaniment; it’s an integral part of the experience, tying all the elements of the dish together with its elegant simplicity and profound taste.
The Art of Assembly: A Dinner That Comes Together Beautifully
The synergy created when this Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream dinner comes together is truly special, orchestrating a symphony of flavors and textures that consistently impresses. The grilling process is key, imparting a wonderful smoky char and a delightful caramelized crust to the chicken, adding yet another layer of complexity to its already rich profile. As the chicken cooks over the heat, the internal pesto warms and its aromatic essence intensifies, mingling beautifully with the creamy, melting mozzarella. This creates an irresistible pocket of flavor and moisture that guarantees each bite is succulent and satisfying. Once perfectly cooked and rested, the tender, juicy stuffed chicken, thoroughly infused with the herbaceous notes of basil pesto and the comforting richness of melted cheese, is then generously draped with the vibrant, velvety basil tomato cream sauce. This ultimate combination is nothing short of perfection: the smoky grilled notes providing a rustic base, the herbaceous kick of pesto offering a bright contrast, the comforting creaminess of mozzarella adding indulgence, and the fresh, bright finish of the tomato-basil sauce providing an exquisite top note. Each component plays its crucial part, meticulously designed to create a truly memorable and delightful meal that will leave a lasting impression.
In the beloved older version of this recipe, I often reveled in serving the exquisite sauce over a bed of fresh pasta, which is undeniably a truly delicious route to take. The way the pasta lovingly soaks up every drop of that glorious cream sauce is a treat in itself, creating a rich and satisfying experience. However, for this updated and wonderfully simplified version, I’ve discovered that it is just as delightful, if not more so, and certainly more adaptable, to simply pair the Pesto Chicken with a crisp, thoughtfully chosen vegetable side. Options like perfectly steamed green beans, elegantly roasted asparagus, or a fresh, vibrant garden salad are all excellent choices that allow the star of the show – the Pesto Chicken and its magnificent sauce – to truly shine without overwhelming the palate. This inherent flexibility makes it an ideal dish for nearly any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal gathering, elegantly proving that sometimes, less is indeed more when it comes to complementing such a stellar main course. The inherent elegance of this dish, combined with its newfound ease of preparation, makes it a perfect choice for those weeknight meals when you crave something special and impressive without the burden of extensive effort or complicated techniques.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe Even Easier and More Delicious
I have meticulously streamlined this recipe, effectively eliminating all potential excuses for not making this incredible Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream! For those seeking maximum convenience without compromising on flavor, do not hesitate to purchase a high-quality store-bought pesto. While the vibrant flavors of homemade pesto are undoubtedly fantastic, the sheer ease and time-saving benefit of a good jarred option make this recipe even more accessible, particularly on a bustling weeknight. When selecting, simply look for a brand that boasts fresh ingredients for the best possible flavor profile. When meticulously preparing the chicken breasts, it’s important to ensure you don’t overstuff them; an overly generous filling can make the breasts difficult to securely close and may hinder even cooking. Always use enough toothpicks to firmly secure the filling within the chicken, but make a mental note, or even a literal one, to remember to remove them all before serving!
To consistently ensure tender, succulent, and juicy chicken, the golden rule is to rigorously avoid overcooking. A reliable meat thermometer is undeniably your best friend here; aim for an internal temperature of precisely 165°F (74°C) measured in the thickest part of the breast. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a crucial 5-10 minutes after grilling; this vital step enables the juices to effectively redistribute throughout the meat, consistently resulting in a more succulent and flavorful final product. For the accompanying sauce, resist the temptation to rush the simmering process – granting the heavy cream those dedicated few minutes to thicken properly makes an extraordinary difference in achieving that rich, luxurious, and perfectly spoonable texture. Always taste and judiciously adjust the seasoning as needed; a little extra pinch of kosher salt or a fresh grind of black pepper can truly enhance and deepen the complex flavors, bringing them to their peak. Embrace these tips, and you’ll consistently achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen with remarkable ease.
Why This Pesto Chicken Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Repertoire
I am genuinely thrilled to have finally streamlined this long-time favorite recipe, transforming it into an effortlessly elegant and truly accessible meal for everyone. This Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream, whether you choose to recreate the original, more intricate version or savor this wonderfully simplified adaptation, is simply divine. It’s a dish that consistently delivers on all fronts: unparalleled flavor, impressive presentation, and deep culinary satisfaction. The masterful combination of savory, herbaceous pesto, creamy, comforting mozzarella, perfectly grilled and tender chicken, all crowned with a fresh, vibrant, and luxurious tomato cream sauce, is absolutely amazing and utterly delicious. It stands as a powerful testament to how even the much-maligned chicken breast can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with the right approach and a touch of creative adaptation.
Beyond its incredible and complex taste, this recipe offers a myriad of practical benefits for the modern cook. It’s relatively quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is a precious commodity but you still crave something special and gourmet. The ingredients are readily accessible in most grocery stores, and the cooking steps are refreshingly straightforward, proving unequivocally that gourmet flavors do not have to come hand-in-hand with complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen. Whether you are cooking for your beloved family, looking to impressively entertain dinner guests, or simply treating yourself to a fantastic, comforting meal, this Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream is a recipe you will eagerly return to again and again. It truly embodies the pure joy of exquisite food made simple, making it an essential and treasured addition to any home cook’s culinary collection, promising delicious results every single time.
Pesto Chicken with Basil Tomato Cream
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- ½ cup Basil Pesto
- 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks wrappers removed
- 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped tomato
- ¼ cup shredded fresh basil
Instructions
-
Fire up your grill to high heat, ensuring it’s thoroughly preheated and ready for searing.
-
Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, creating a deep pocket. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
-
In the center of each butterflied chicken breast, spread approximately two tablespoons of vibrant basil pesto. Place one mozzarella string cheese stick directly on top of the pesto. Carefully close the chicken breast around the filling, ensuring the edges are sealed, and secure them firmly with a few toothpicks to prevent the pesto and cheese from escaping during grilling.
-
Place the prepared stuffed chicken breasts directly on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 20 minutes in total, carefully flipping them once halfway through to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer, and the juices run clear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside on a clean plate or cutting board to rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a significantly more tender and juicy final product.
-
While the chicken is resting, prepare the exquisite basil tomato cream sauce. In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Pour in the dry white wine and bring it to a rolling boil, allowing it to reduce for 2 minutes to concentrate its subtle flavors. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce noticeably thickens to your desired luscious consistency. Finally, stir in the freshly chopped tomato, fragrant shredded fresh basil, and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon the glorious sauce generously over the rested, pesto and cheese stuffed chicken breasts and serve immediately for an unforgettable meal.
Nutrition