Ingredients
1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts, fat removed (about 2 breasts)
1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
2 cups cooked couscous
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or less to taste)
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese or neufchatel cheese
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Place chicken and pesto in a zip-top bag, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, grill for 3–5 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cooked couscous, olive oil, and shredded Parmesan. Heat for about 5 minutes, then reduce to low.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan until smooth and warmed through. Keep on low heat.
- To serve, spoon Parmesan couscous onto plates, top with pesto chicken, and drizzle with warm Italian cream sauce.
Notes
Swap couscous for quinoa, orzo, rice, or another grain.
Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer flavor.
Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Stir garlic or crushed red pepper into the cream sauce for extra intensity.
Finish with fresh basil for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg