Creamy Pesto Chicken is a luscious, flavor-packed dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic basil pesto.
The chicken is typically seared until golden brown, locking in the juices, then simmered in a velvety blend of heavy cream, pesto, and sometimes a hint of garlic or Parmesan for added depth.
The pesto delivers a fresh, herby brightness, while the cream balances it with a smooth, indulgent texture. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Pesto Chicken
This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. With juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy parmesan pesto sauce, this dish is both decadent and comforting.
It’s a low-carb, protein-packed dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal!
Creamy Pesto Chicken
Description
Its beauty lies in its simplicity — minimal prep, quick cooking, and maximum flavor. The creamy pesto sauce clings to every bite, ensuring a comforting, satisfying meal.
Whether you use homemade pesto bursting with fresh basil or a high-quality store-bought jar, the result is equally delightful.
It’s a recipe that feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen. Served with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a garnish of fresh basil, Creamy Pesto Chicken is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Perfect for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors.
Creamy Pesto Chicken combines golden-seared chicken breasts with a garlic-infused, creamy basil pesto sauce.
The addition of Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes gives it a bold, savory kick, making it a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home!
Ingredients
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Slice chicken breasts in half for thinner cutlets.
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Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Remove from pan and set aside.
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Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
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In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in pesto, chicken broth, and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add red pepper flakes (if using) and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
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Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
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Combine & Serve:
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Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
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Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
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Serve over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables!
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Sodium 750mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free pesto.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for a Shortcut
If short on time, shred rotisserie chicken and toss it in the sauce instead of pan-searing fresh chicken.
Pair with the Right Sides
Serve over angel hair pasta, zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.
Make It Lighter
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version.
Add Veggies for a Balanced Meal
Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Make It Dairy-Free
Variation and Storage:
Variations
- Protein Swap – Instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or substitute shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream and dairy-free pesto for a lactose-friendly version.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Add shredded mozzarella or provolone to the sauce for an extra cheesy melt.
- Spicy Kick – Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.
- Vegetarian – Replace chicken with grilled eggplant, mushrooms, or tofu while keeping the creamy pesto sauce intact.
- Nut-Free – Use sunflower seed pesto or omit nuts from the homemade pesto recipe for allergy-friendly preparation.
Storage
- Refrigeration – Allow the Creamy Pesto Chicken to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, but it can easily be loosened by adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
- Freezing – While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring to recombine the sauce.
- Reheating – For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cream to split. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each round, and add a bit of liquid if the sauce is too thick.
Proper storage ensures that the Creamy Pesto Chicken maintains its creamy texture and fresh flavor, making it a great make-ahead meal option. You can even prepare the sauce separately and store it in the fridge for up to a week to use with freshly cooked chicken when needed.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Creamy Pesto Chicken is a dish that perfectly combines the rich, aromatic flavors of basil pesto with a silky, creamy sauce to create a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.
The tender chicken breasts, seared to golden perfection and then enveloped in a smooth pesto-infused cream sauce, offer a delightful balance of savory, herbaceous, and creamy notes.
Whether served over pasta, rice, or simply with a side of vegetables, this dish elevates any meal with its vibrant yet mellow flavors.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples—pesto, heavy cream, and chicken—you can craft a restaurant-quality dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The pesto sauce, made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, infuses the cream with its signature punch, creating a rich, decadent finish that complements the mild chicken beautifully.
The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but flavorful.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can add vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor, or swap in chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
For those looking to lighten up the dish, using a lighter cream or a dairy-free substitute still yields a rich result.
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a meal that pleases all palates, from the pesto lover to those who prefer milder, comforting dishes.
Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a satisfying, flavorful experience that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, it's a meal that will leave you coming back for more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works great, but homemade pesto adds a fresher flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I make it keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is already low-carb—just serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
