Zesty Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe: Homemade Magic in Minutes

Weeknight dinners just got a delightful upgrade with this creamy pesto chicken that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Flavors burst from every forkful, blending herbal notes with rich, velvety sauce.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

Basil and parmesan dance across tender chicken in a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

We absolutely love how simple ingredients can create something so extraordinary.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this dish a total winner for anyone seeking a quick yet impressive meal.

Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Creamy Pesto Chicken That’s Always A Win

• Whip Up Quick Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. No complicated techniques required, just simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken with fish or tofu, adjust pesto intensity, or add extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences. The flexible recipe welcomes creative modifications without compromising flavor.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort, transforming ordinary chicken into a creamy, herbaceous dish that looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it. Impressive enough for date night yet simple enough for everyday cooking.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Combines protein-rich chicken with nutrient-dense pesto, creating a balanced meal that's satisfying and relatively healthy. Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet, making post-dinner dishes a breeze.

Pesto Chicken Creamy Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning mix that adds depth and enhances the chicken's natural flavor, choose freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

• Heavy Cream, Pesto: Rich and creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce, select high-quality store-bought pesto or homemade pesto with fresh basil.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano works best.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat for cooking and helps prevent sticking, extra virgin olive oil recommended for better flavor.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color to the finished dish, use fresh leaves just before serving.

Step-by-Step for Creamy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder.

Massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure even coverage.

Step 2: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Luscious Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and pesto.

Whisk the ingredients together, blending the flavors seamlessly.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, velvety texture.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously for about a minute, helping the cheese melt and integrate smoothly into the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the creamy pesto sauce over each piece, ensuring they’re completely coated.

Warm the chicken through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Flair

Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top of the dish.

Serve piping hot alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or a colorful medley of roasted vegetables.

Pesto Chicken Cooking Suggestions

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more golden, crispy exterior.
• Stir pesto and cream slowly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats the chicken evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, avoiding overcooking which can make the meat tough and dry.
• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Chop fresh basil just before serving to release maximum flavor and add a bright, fresh garnish to the creamy pesto chicken.

Creamy Pesto Chicken That Stays Smooth for Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to prevent drying and restore sauce's creamy consistency.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery chicken texture.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creamy Add-Ons For Pesto Chicken

• Elevate Creamy Pesto Chicken with Perfect Pairings
• Sip Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: A zesty white wine cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the herbal pesto notes, creating a refreshing balance on your palate.
• Serve Roasted Garlic Focaccia: Crusty, aromatic bread becomes the ideal companion, perfect for soaking up the luxurious pesto cream sauce and adding textural contrast.
• Match Lemony Arugula Salad: A bright, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, light counterpoint to the heavy chicken dish, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Choose Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Colorful zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant roasted with olive oil and herbs bring a smoky, vibrant element that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy pesto chicken.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Twists

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly option. Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Skip pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a dairy-free pesto made with avocado to keep the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version. Serve with a side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
• Spicy Herbaceous Version: Mix red pepper flakes into the pesto sauce for heat. Add chopped fresh cilantro or chives for extra herbal complexity. Garnish with toasted pine nuts for crunch and additional flavor depth.

FAQs

• What is pesto sauce made of?

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce created from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese blended together to create a vibrant green sauce with rich, herbal flavors.

• Can I make this recipe with other meats?

Yes, this creamy pesto sauce works wonderfully with other proteins like salmon, shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Simply adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. However, always check your pesto and Parmesan cheese labels to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-containing additives, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce calories, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or coconut milk. Use skinless chicken breasts and consider adding more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy pesto chicken brings Mediterranean elegance to your dinner table with rich herbal notes and velvety sauce. Quick and simple preparation delivers a luxurious meal that delights palates and satisfies hunger in one delicious stroke.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauces and Dairy:

• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
• 3 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, carefully placing seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.
3. Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
4. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its succulence.
5. Utilize the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce by pouring in heavy cream and pesto, gently whisking to integrate the two ingredients.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer and gradually thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and develop rich flavor profiles.
7. Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety consistency.
8. Carefully return chicken breasts to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the creamy pesto sauce.
9. Warm the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete heat distribution and flavor infusion.
10. Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves as a vibrant garnish, presenting the creamy pesto chicken alongside your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, herb-packed flavor profile.
• Use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing richness.
• Ensure chicken is evenly seasoned by gently pounding breasts to uniform thickness before cooking, promoting consistent and juicy results.
• Fresh pesto delivers more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought; homemade versions allow control over ingredients and can reduce sodium levels.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg