Spinach Pesto Chicken Breasts: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight

Spinach pesto chicken breasts are a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of homemade or store-bought spinach pesto with juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts. The result is a healthy, delicious, and visually appealing meal that’s sure to impress.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Chicken breast is a lean protein source, and spinach pesto adds a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of basil, spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Serve these chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant green pesto coating makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

## Ingredients

### For the Spinach Pesto:

* 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
* 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/3 cup pine nuts
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

### For the Chicken:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

## Equipment

* Food processor or blender
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing chicken)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Instructions

### Part 1: Make the Spinach Pesto

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor or blender, combine the spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. **Add Olive Oil:** With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto forms a smooth paste. You may need to add more olive oil to reach your desired consistency. If you are using a blender, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally.
3. **Add Lemon Juice and Season:** Stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil. If it needs more brightness, add a touch more lemon juice.

### Part 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pound Chicken (Optional):** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. If your chicken breasts are already thin, you can skip this step.
2. **Season Chicken:** Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

### Part 3: Cook the Chicken

1. **Heat Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this will help create a nice sear.
2. **Sear Chicken:** Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the chicken is cooked safely and not overcooked. Overcooked chicken will be dry.
3. **Add Pesto:** Reduce the heat to low. Spread a generous amount of spinach pesto (about 2-3 tablespoons) over each chicken breast. If desired, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
4. **Melt Cheese (Optional):** Cover the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the pesto is heated through. If you don’t use cheese, just heat through the pesto.
5. **Serve:** Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Store-Bought Pesto:** If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought spinach pesto or basil pesto. Look for high-quality pesto with fresh ingredients.
* **Add Cherry Tomatoes:** Before adding the pesto, sauté some halved cherry tomatoes in the skillet. The sweetness of the tomatoes complements the savory pesto and chicken.
* **Use Different Nuts:** If you don’t have pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, or pecans in the pesto.
* **Add Red Pepper Flakes:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle them over the chicken before serving.
* **Bake the Chicken:** Instead of pan-searing, you can bake the chicken breasts in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, spread the pesto over the chicken and bake for another 5 minutes.
* **Grill the Chicken:** Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Then, spread the pesto over the chicken and grill for another minute or two.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese into the pesto for a richer, creamier sauce. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the pesto too runny.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the pesto for extra brightness and zest. This can enhance the flavor of the pesto significantly.
* **Garlic Lovers:** If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the pesto. Roast the garlic before adding it for a milder, sweeter flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add a few sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the pesto for a tangy, chewy element. They pair well with the other flavors.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Top the pesto chicken with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes a delicious and cheesy variation.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Serve the spinach pesto chicken over a bed of creamy ricotta cheese. The combination of flavors and textures is divine.
* **Make it a One-Pan Meal:** Add chopped vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet along with the chicken. This makes a complete and balanced meal with minimal cleanup.

## Serving Suggestions

Spinach pesto chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides.

* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the remaining pesto in the skillet for extra flavor.
* **Rice:** Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. A simple side of rice is a great way to soak up the delicious pesto sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or sweet potatoes make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish.
* **Polenta:** Serve the chicken over creamy polenta for an Italian-inspired meal.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the pesto sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Pesto:** The spinach pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pesto for longer storage. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
* **Chicken:** The chicken can be seasoned and pounded ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. It’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the best flavor and texture.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover spinach pesto chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Spinach pesto chicken breasts are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and impressive presentation, it’s a dish that you’ll make again and again. Enjoy!