If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe, look no further than this pesto chicken with mozzarella dish.
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, and it pairs perfectly with juicy chicken breasts and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of basil pesto
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.
- Mix the pesto, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the pesto mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is fully coated.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Put the baking dish back in the oven and continue to bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious pesto chicken with mozzarella!
Variations
This recipe is highly versatile, and there are several ways you can customize it to suit your taste preferences:.
Make it Creamy
If you love creamy sauces, try adding a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream to the pesto sauce before coating the chicken. This will give the dish a creamy, rich flavor, and texture that is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Prosciutto-wrapped chicken with tomato and basil
Add Vegetables
To up the nutritional value of the dish, consider adding some vegetables to the recipe. Sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes would be an excellent addition to the dish. Simply toss them in the pesto mixture before spooning it over the chicken.
Try Different Cheeses
If you’re not a fan of mozzarella cheese, try substituting it with a different type of cheese. Feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar would be great options to try.
Conclusion
This pesto chicken with mozzarella recipe is a delicious and easy dinner option that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh pesto sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is simply irresistible.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
