Hey y’all! If you’ve got a soft spot for super-flavorful weeknight dinners, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Pesto Chicken. Imagine juicy Chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, basil-packed pesto cream sauce—perfect for family gatherings, impressing your dinner guests, or meal-prepping a restaurant-worthy lunch. With only one pan and minimal prep, this recipe nails that delicate balance of comfort and sophistication. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Ready in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Juicy Chicken smothered in a savory, creamy pesto sauce packs a punch of flavor.
- Minimal clean-up thanks to its simple, one-pan preparation.
- Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or veggies.
- Customizable for low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian options!
Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and sear 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In the same pan, lower to medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Simmer uncovered for 4-5 more minutes or until chicken is heated through and flavors have mingled.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot!
Notes: Tips for Creamy Pesto Chicken Success
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking your chicken.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
- Homemade pesto really elevates flavor—see this fresh pesto recipe.
Variations: Creative Twists on Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Make it vegetarian by using thick slices of pan-seared tofu in place of chicken.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for color and nutrients.
Equipment Needed for Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
Storage Instructions for Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until hot, adding a splash of cream if sauce thickens too much.
- Not recommended for freezing, as cream sauces can separate.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, quinoa, or with a side of garlic bread to soak up that amazing sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
- A glass of chilled sauvignon blanc or sparkling lemonade complements the creamy, herby flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Preheat your skillet to ensure a perfect golden sear on your chicken every time (see more on searing tips).
- Don’t rush the sauce—let it simmer so the flavors meld and the cream thickens properly.
- For extra depth, sprinkle a touch more Parmesan on top just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
- Absolutely! The sauce will be a bit less rich, but you’ll still get delicious results.
- Is Creamy Pesto Chicken gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as your pesto and cheese are gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free sides if needed.
- Can I make Creamy Pesto Chicken ahead of time?
- Yes, you can refrigerate and gently reheat it, but for best flavor and texture, serve it fresh.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, and whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
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5Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated with the sauce.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
520 caloriescal
Protein:
38gg
Fat:
38gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
5gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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