Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Creamy pesto chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, basil-infused sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and comforting.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 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
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Add cherry tomatoes if using. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking.
• Use homemade pesto or store-bought for convenience.
• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added veggies.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Cherry tomatoes add color and a fresh burst, but you can omit them if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating, adding a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed, usually about 6-7 minutes per side.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor will be different but still delicious.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 107 reviews

This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce made from basil pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Enhanced with optional cherry tomatoes and fresh basil garnish, this dish offers a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional & Garnish

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the sauce with flavor.
4. Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine & Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken, add cherry tomatoes if using, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if desired.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Serve this dish with pasta, rice, or a side salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken, Pesto chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet, easy chicken dinner, basil pesto chicken