Cilantro Avocado Pesto Chicken Pizza Delight
This Cilantro Avocado Pesto Chicken Pizza Delight is a fresh twist on traditional pizza, combining the vibrant flavors of homemade avocado pesto with succulent chicken and hearty black beans. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this burrito-inspired pizza is an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a unique weekend gathering, it's not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that celebrates the warmth of Mexican cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Basil
1 cup
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup
Pine Nuts
1/2 cup
Avocados
2 (peeled, pitted and cubed)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil
1 1/2 cups
Ragú® Pasta Sauce
1/2 cup
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
8 ounces (cut into half-inch strips)
Pizza Dough
1 12-inch crust
Drained Black Beans
1 cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup
Instructions
1
To create the avocado pesto, combine fresh basil, cilantro, pine nuts, avocados, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until well blended.
2
While the food processor is running, gradually pour in the olive oil and continue to pulse until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Finally, stir in the Ragú® Pasta Sauce to create a rich, flavorful base.
3
In a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken strips and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare the pizza dough according to package instructions until it reaches a golden, crispy finish.
5
Spread an even layer of the prepared avocado pesto sauce over the cooked pizza crust, then top with the cooked chicken strips and drained black beans.
6
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
8
Remove from the oven, slice into wedges, and serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cilantro Avocado Pesto Chicken Pizza Delight?
It is a fresh twist on traditional pizza that combines homemade avocado pesto, succulent chicken, and black beans, inspired by Mexican cuisine.
What ingredients are in the avocado pesto?
The pesto is made with fresh basil, cilantro, pine nuts, avocados, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, olive oil, and Ragú® Pasta Sauce.
How do I prepare the avocados for the pesto?
The avocados should be peeled, pitted, and cubed before being added to the food processor.
How much chicken is needed for this recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be cut?
The chicken breasts should be cut into half-inch strips.
How do I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken strips in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes until they are no longer pink in the center.
What type of pasta sauce is used in the pesto?
The recipe specifically uses Ragú® Pasta Sauce to create a rich, flavorful base.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What kind of cheese is used on this pizza?
The pizza is topped with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the pizza bake?
Bake the pizza for 7-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
What size pizza crust should I use?
A 12-inch pizza crust is required for this recipe.
Are black beans included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of drained black beans as a topping.
What nuts are used in the pesto base?
1/2 cup of pine nuts are used to create the avocado pesto.
Can I garnish the pizza with extra herbs?
Yes, you can garnish the finished pizza with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and is ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
How is the olive oil added to the pesto?
The olive oil should be gradually poured in while the food processor is running.
What is the flavor profile of this pizza?
It features a burrito-inspired flavor profile that celebrates the warmth of Mexican cuisine.
Do I need to pre-cook the pizza dough?
Yes, you should prepare the pizza dough according to package instructions until it reaches a golden, crispy finish before adding toppings.
How many garlic cloves are in the pesto?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What is the order of assembly for the pizza?
Spread the avocado pesto first, then add the chicken and black beans, and finally sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a family-friendly meal.
How should the pizza be served?
The pizza should be sliced into wedges and served hot.
How much basil is required for the pesto?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh basil.
How much cilantro is needed for the pesto?
The pesto base requires 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro.
What consistency should the pesto be?
The pesto should be pulsed until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Should I use a non-stick skillet for the chicken?
Yes, the instructions recommend using a medium non-stick skillet.
How much olive oil is used in the pesto?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of olive oil.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the pesto mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pizza, mexican cuisine, avocado pesto, chicken pizza, burrito-inspired, easy dinner, and ragú® recipe.