Pesto Chicken and Vegetable Skillet with Burrata
Juicy seared chicken, tender vegetables, and herby pesto all come together in one skillet, topped with luxurious burrata cheese that melts into the dish. It’s hearty enough for dinner but fresh and vibrant thanks to basil and seasonal veggies.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Veggies:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, sliced thin
2 cups baby spinach
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pesto
2 cups fresh basil leaves
⅓ cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
1–2 balls fresh burrata cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Make the Pesto
In a food processor, pulse basil, nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt & pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. Saute the Veggies
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic.
Add zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Saute 5–6 minutes until tender but still bright.
Stir in spinach until just wilted.
4. Combine & Finish
Return chicken to skillet.
Toss everything with pesto (start with ½ cup, add more if desired).
Remove from heat. Tear burrata over the top so the creamy center melts slightly into the warm dish.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve straight from the skillet with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Over buttered orzo or lemon rice for a full meal.
With garlic bread to soak up the creamy pesto-burrata sauce.
Add roasted potatoes for extra heartiness.
Tips & Notes
Swap veggies with what’s in season (asparagus, green beans, mushrooms).
Burrata should be added right before serving — don’t cook it, just let it melt naturally.
For a lighter version, swap burrata with fresh mozzarella.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 560
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 5g