This Arugula Pesto Chicken recipe is a vibrant and satisfying dish that’ll elevate your weeknight dinner game. What’s so special about it? Well, picture tender, juicy chicken breasts slathered in a zesty arugula pesto, bursting with peppery and herbaceous notes. Pair it with your favorite pasta and a glass of wine and you’ve got dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh arugula leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Cherry tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
- Pasta, for serving
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the arugula, basil, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined and has a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once it’s melted and foamy, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely browned on the outside.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the arugula pesto to the skillet and coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve your arugula pesto chicken over a bed of pasta.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of color and freshness, if desired.
Notes
Remember that the key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness and remove from the skillet when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. For the best-tasting pesto, feel free to try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar into the food processor. Serve this dish with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: >1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75g




