© Original Recipe By Mom’s Meals ©
Easy One-Pan Pesto Chicken & Veggies for Weeknights 🍗🌿🥦
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a pesto chicken dinner that’s quick, nutritious, and packed with flavor, this easy pesto chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The beauty of this one-pan chicken recipe lies in its simplicity: all ingredients cook together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. With fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and vibrant basil pesto, this dish is a wholesome and satisfying meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes.
2. Ingredients for Your Pesto Chicken Dinner
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green beans or asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
For an even more delicious experience, consider making homemade pesto or adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Pesto Chicken Dinner
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Prepare your vegetables by washing and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and green beans (or your chosen vegetables). Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pesto
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or leave it whole, as preferred. Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, then add the basil pesto. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Final Touches
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, for a rustic and flavorful pesto chicken dinner.
4. How to Store Your Leftover Pesto Chicken & Veggies
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat until thoroughly heated. This easy pesto chicken keeps well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This one-pan chicken recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Cooked pasta or rice for a filling dinner
- Crusty garlic bread for dipping
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
For an extra dose of flavor, drizzle with additional pesto or sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. Want to see more quick and delicious recipes? Check out our Spooky Sweet Oreo Spiderweb Scones or Magical Butterbeer Cookies.
6. Common FAQs About Pesto Chicken Dinner
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and stay moist during cooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this easy pesto chicken recipe stores well in the fridge and can be prepared ahead of time. It re heats nicely, making it ideal for weekly meal prep.
Can I use homemade pesto in this dish?
Definitely! Making your own pesto adds a fresh touch. Try a simple homemade pesto recipe for an even richer flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you need a quick but satisfying meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Enhance your cooking experience with this versatile appliance that can help you prepare crispy vegetables or even cook chicken faster.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: A durable set that makes sautéing and searing chicken effortless and cleanup easy.
8. Final Tips to Perfect Your Pesto Chicken & Veggies
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
- Adjust the amount of pesto according to your taste — more pesto for a richer, herbaceous flavor.
9. Conclusion
This pesto chicken dinner is a delightful example of an easy pesto chicken recipe that delivers on flavor, speed, and simplicity. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant basil pesto into a wholesome meal that everyone will love. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this one-pan chicken recipe is destined to become a weekly staple in your cooking repertoire. Try it today and enjoy the ease of a nutritious, impressive dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!
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Easy One-Pan Pesto Chicken & Veggies for Weeknights
A flavorful, simple one-pan pesto chicken with mixed vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Spread pesto over chicken breasts.
- Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper around the chicken.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on availability.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 410 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg