One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken for a Quick Weeknight Meal

There’s something truly magical about a dish that combines comforting flavors with effortless preparation, and this Creamy Pesto Chicken does just that. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to bring to life in your own kitchen, promising a delightful creamy texture and a burst of savory pesto goodness in every bite.

I remember childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of her cooking always signaled warmth and togetherness. While she was a dessert queen, she always taught me the joy of simple, flavorful meals that bring people around the table. This creamy pesto chicken reminds me of those cherished moments, where delicious food was a language of love.

This recipe is a weeknight wonder, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss, and it’s versatile enough to impress at a dinner party. My top tip? Always use good quality ingredients; it truly makes all the difference in the final flavor.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful creamy pesto chicken doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients. We’re talking about simple, wholesome staples like tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and the vibrant flavors of basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, all brought together with rich heavy cream. These components blend harmoniously to create a truly satisfying meal. You’ll find the complete list with precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creating this creamy pesto chicken is a breeze, divided into a few straightforward steps. First, you’ll perfectly sear your boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they’re golden and tender. Then, we’ll build that incredible creamy pesto sauce, simmering rich ingredients like chicken broth, heavy cream, and the star flavors of basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. Finally, everything comes together for a quick finish before serving this delightful meal.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

Succulent chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with vibrant pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of garlic. A comforting and flavorful weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1-inch pieces or thin cutlets
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

For the Creamy Pesto Sauce

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth low sodium
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Basil Pesto store-bought or homemade
• 1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
• 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese plus more for garnish
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a little heat

For Serving (Optional)

• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil chopped, for garnish
• Cooked Pasta, Rice, or Mashed Potatoes for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using whole breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or cut into 1-inch pieces for quicker cooking. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side (if cutlets) or until golden brown and cooked through if diced. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined and the sauce begins to gently simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chicken to warm through.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of white wine after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce before adding chicken broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Pro Tips for Making This Creamy Pesto Chicken

To truly elevate your creamy pesto chicken, I’ve gathered a few tried-and-true tips from my own kitchen adventures. These little touches can make all the difference, ensuring your dish is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.

Perfectly Seared Chicken

For chicken that’s wonderfully golden and juicy, make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd it. This allows for a beautiful sear, locking in all those delicious flavors before they mingle with the creamy sauce. I always aim for that gorgeous golden-brown crust!

My Secret Trick:

I always reserve a little pasta water if I’m serving this with pasta. A splash or two stirred into the creamy pesto chicken sauce at the end can help achieve the perfect consistency, making it cling beautifully to the chicken and whatever you’re serving it with. It’s my little secret for a truly luscious sauce!

Flavor Boost

Don’t be shy with the garlic! Freshly minced garlic truly shines in this creamy pesto chicken. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning alongside the red pepper flakes. It really deepens the aromatic profile.

The Creamy Finish

When adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, do so gently over low heat. This prevents the sauce from splitting and ensures a velvety smooth texture. Patience here truly pays off for that luxurious creamy pesto chicken sauce we all adore.

Fun Variations for Creamy Pesto Chicken

One of the joys of cooking is getting to play with flavors and make a dish truly your own. This creamy pesto chicken is wonderfully adaptable, and I often find myself experimenting based on what I have on hand or what my family is craving.

Veggie Boost

My sister always asks me to sneak in extra vegetables, so sometimes I’ll wilt a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce just before serving. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers would also be lovely additions, adding color and extra nutrients to your creamy pesto chicken.

Cheesy Swaps

While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A sprinkle of mozzarella or even a touch of creamy goat cheese stirred in could add a delightful new dimension to the creamy pesto chicken. A friend loves when I top it with a mix of fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a tangy twist.

Herbaceous Twists

If you’re a herb lover like me, don’t stop at basil! A touch of fresh oregano or even some chopped parsley can brighten up the flavors of this creamy pesto chicken. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Pesto Chicken

When I make creamy pesto chicken, I always think about what will complete the meal and make it feel truly special. It’s a dish that loves to be surrounded by simple, complementary flavors.

I love serving it over a bed of al dente [[pasta recipes]], letting the rich, creamy sauce coat every strand. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea to cut through the richness. My mom always pairs it with fluffy mashed potatoes in winter – the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that incredible sauce. For a quick serving idea, some crusty [[easy bread recipes]] is fantastic for dipping.

How to Store Creamy Pesto Chicken

After all the love you’ve poured into making this delicious creamy pesto chicken, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers are stored properly to enjoy later. It’s all about preserving that wonderful flavor and texture!

Refrigerator Storage

Once your creamy pesto chicken has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to store individual portions so they’re easy to grab for a quick lunch.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, gently warm the creamy pesto chicken on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or even a little milk if the sauce seems too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through. A light dusting of fresh Parmesan and basil after reheating brings it back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This creamy pesto chicken, while undeniably comforting, also brings some great nutritional benefits to your table. Packed with lean protein from the chicken, and healthy fats from the olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a satisfying meal. The vibrant basil pesto adds antioxidants, making this a treat that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe, offering an even richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as thighs can take a little longer to cook through.

What kind of pesto should I use?

For this Creamy Pesto Chicken, I recommend using a good quality store-bought basil pesto or even homemade if you have some on hand. The better the pesto, the more vibrant the flavor of your dish!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

While the creamy element is key to Creamy Pesto Chicken, you could experiment with dairy-free heavy cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version. Results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken?

While you technically can, I generally don’t recommend freezing Creamy Pesto Chicken as cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or change texture upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Conclusion

There you have it, a truly delightful and wonderfully simple creamy pesto chicken recipe that I hope will find a special place in your kitchen. It’s a testament to how easily everyday ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create some sweet memories around your table with this comforting dish. Happy cooking, my dears!