Creamy Pesto Shrimp or Chicken
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Creamy Pesto Shrimp or Chicken—your new go-to dinner for a quick yet luxurious meal! This versatile recipe features tender shrimp or juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and simmered in a velvety cream and pesto sauce. Enhanced with fresh garlic, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and optional bursts of color from cherry tomatoes and spinach, this dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness. Serve it over pasta, rice, or low-carb zoodles for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this one-pan recipe is easy to make and endlessly customizable, making it a favorite for the whole family.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined) or Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- 2 cups Spinach (optional, fresh or baby spinach)
- 4 cups Cooked pasta, rice, or zoodles (for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Season the shrimp or chicken with salt and black pepper.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp or chicken to the skillet and cook until fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes per side for shrimp, or 5-7 minutes per side for chicken). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Whisk in the pesto sauce until fully combined. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Step 7
If using, add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and the spinach has wilted.
Step 8
Return the cooked shrimp or chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.
Step 9
Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or zoodles. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2177.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3768.7 |
| Total Fat 181.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 72.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 1164.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3523.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 314.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 11.7g | |
| Protein 200.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 689.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1278.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3175.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories