Creamy Pesto Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy pesto sauce for a comforting meal. The chicken is seared to perfection and then simmered in a luscious sauce made from basil pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is thick and velvety, coating the chicken beautifully, while the pesto adds a burst of herbal freshness. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare but feels indulgent, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The first time I made Creamy Pesto Chicken, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how delicious it was! The creamy pesto sauce is such a comforting addition to the juicy chicken, and the Parmesan gives it an extra layer of richness. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—it pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even a simple salad. You can also add extra veggies like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to make it even more flavorful. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will love, and it’s easy to customize based on your tastes.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Special occasions
- Pesto lovers
- Family meals
- A comforting dish
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Creamy Pesto Chicken will quickly become a dinner favorite:
- Flavorful and Rich Sauce: The creamy pesto sauce adds a burst of herbaceous flavor with a silky texture.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are juicy and tender, perfectly cooked to complement the rich sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Versatile: This dish can be paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Creamy and Light: The creamy sauce is light enough to avoid feeling heavy but indulgent enough to satisfy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy gathering, this dish fits every mood.
- One-Pan Meal: The entire meal is made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: You can adjust the creaminess or add more pesto for extra flavor.
- Great for Leftovers: The dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time for a quick dinner later.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added freshness)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Basil Pesto: The vibrant, herbaceous pesto is the base of the creamy sauce, infusing the dish with a fresh and flavorful kick.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the pesto sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, savory flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts serve as the perfect canvas for the creamy pesto sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Pesto and Cream: Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Lemon Juice: (Optional) Stir in lemon juice for a fresh kick.
Combine and Serve:
- Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Creamy Pesto Chicken:
- With Pasta: Serve over a bed of spaghetti or penne for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
- With Rice: Pair with steamed rice or a risotto for a comforting dish.
- On a Salad: Serve the chicken and pesto sauce over mixed greens for a light, flavorful salad.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a wholesome side.
- On a Sandwich: Make a creamy pesto chicken sandwich by adding the chicken to toasted buns with lettuce and tomato.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
- With Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that complements the creamy pesto chicken.
- As a Meal Prep: Make extra and store the chicken and sauce for a quick reheated lunch or dinner.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Use Homemade Pesto: For even more flavor, make your own pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
- Leftover Sauce: Use the leftover creamy pesto sauce as a dip for bread or a topping for vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.
- Vegan Pesto Chicken: Use vegan pesto and dairy-free cream to make this dish plant-based.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and flavorful addition.
- Add Spinach: Sauté spinach along with the garlic for added color and nutrition.
- Make It Light: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Version: Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice to keep it gluten-free.
- Lemon Pesto Chicken: Add extra lemon zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- With Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- With Beef Bacon: Add crispy beef bacon crumbles on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the creamy pesto sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through to the proper internal temperature.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and preventing it from sticking to the pan.
- Tongs: To easily handle the chicken while cooking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good quality brand. - Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, but you can use frozen chicken if it’s properly thawed before cooking. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the chicken and sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave. - What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream for a dairy-free version. - How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy pesto sauce for some heat. - Can I make the pesto sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. - Can I make this dish without Parmesan?
Yes, you can skip the Parmesan or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. - Can I use chicken breasts with the skin on?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - What sides go well with Creamy Pesto Chicken?
Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together the herby goodness of pesto with the creamy comfort of a smooth, velvety sauce. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, then bathed in a luscious pesto cream sauce that’s bursting with basil, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon. This dish is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and creamy, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
What makes Creamy Pesto Chicken so irresistible is how quickly it comes together, yet the flavors feel elevated and decadent. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can even top it with extra Parmesan or a handful of fresh basil to bring out those vibrant flavors even more.
I can’t wait to see how your Creamy Pesto Chicken turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this dish your own—I’d love to hear all about your twist!