Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

If you’re hunting for a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly effortless, this Creamy Pesto Chicken is your new best friend. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, herbaceous pesto cream sauce that’s packed with flavor and ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Effortless: Ready in 30 minutes or less, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of savory pesto and luscious cream creates a sauce you’ll want to drink with a spoon.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, veggies, or a simple salad.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to pull this off—and the result feels gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dreamy dish to life:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken until golden and juicy.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of savory depth to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and create a silky sauce foundation.
• Pesto sauce: The star of the show—use good-quality jarred pesto or homemade for maximum flavor.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, creamy texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
• Fresh basil: Optional, but it adds a beautiful freshness right at the end.

Variations

Want to put your own twist on this dreamy dish? Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the Protein: Try it with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a lighter, vegetarian option.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you want a lighter sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Boost the Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant—just a minute or two. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits from the pan (those bits are pure flavor!). Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Add the Pesto and Cream

Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, blending them into the broth to create a rich, smooth sauce. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and let everything simmer together for a few minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh basil if using, and serve hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Use Quality Pesto: Since pesto is the main flavor, using a fresh, high-quality brand (or homemade) makes a world of difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on it—overcooked chicken can turn dry. It’s done when it reaches 165°F internally.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid separating or curdling the cream.

How to Serve

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavor powerhouse that pairs beautifully with:

Pasta:

Toss it with fettuccine, linguine, or penne to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Rice:

A fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice is perfect to catch the creamy goodness.

Veggies:

Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad are fresh and vibrant sides.

Bread:

Don’t forget crusty bread—you’ll want to mop up every bit of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious!

Freezing

While you can freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken, the sauce might separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store it tightly sealed and reheat slowly while whisking the sauce back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just choose a good-quality pesto made with real basil and olive oil. It saves time and still delivers amazing flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free pesto. It will taste a bit different but still wonderfully rich.

What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Thighs are especially juicy if you prefer a richer texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can! Prepare the chicken and sauce, store separately, and reheat gently when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is a total gem for busy nights when you want something that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. The creamy, herb-packed sauce clings to every tender bite of chicken, making every forkful pure comfort. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!

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