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['Close-up of a creamy pesto rice bowl with bright green sauce and colorful toppings.', 'Side view of a delicious creamy pesto rice bowl featuring vibrant ingredients and rich textures.', 'Detailed view of a creamy pesto rice bowl, showcasing fresh herbs and grains in a rustic dish.', 'Artistic shot of a creamy pesto rice bowl overflowing with creamy sauce and colorful veggies.']
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Creamy Pesto Rice Bowl

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650
A vibrant and flavorful rice bowl featuring homemade pesto, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Pesto

  • 2 cups Fresh Basil (2 cups, packed) (Do not substitute with dried basil)
  • 1/3 cup Pine Nuts (1/3 cup) (Lightly toasted)
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic (2-3 cloves, peeled) (Adjust based on preference)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated) (Freshly grated)
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (To taste)

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 2 large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (About 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For searing)
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes (Halved or whole)
  • 3 cups Fresh Spinach (Packed)
  • 1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice (Rinse well)
  • 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (For cooking rice)
  • 1 small Yellow Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (Adds aromatic depth)
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream (Luxurious texture)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (additional) (For sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (Final touch)

Instructions 

  • Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden, then cool.
  • Combine toasted pine nuts, basil, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor; pulse coarsely.
  • Stream in olive oil while blending until smooth; add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Rinse rice, then cook in broth, simmer 15-18 minutes, and let rest covered for 10 minutes before fluffing.
  • Season chicken, sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  • Sauté onion, add garlic, blister tomatoes, then stir in cream and Parmesan; combine with rice, add pesto, spinach, chicken, and finish with butter.

Notes

Use fresh basil for the best flavor, and adjust garlic and seasoning to taste.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Pesto