Dreamy Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy pesto chicken delight recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts nestle in a luxurious sauce that captures bold Italian flavors.

Herbs and parmesan weave magic through each succulent bite, creating a meal that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

pesto brings an emerald-green richness that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Weeknight cooking doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this simple yet impressive dish.

One forkful promises to transport you straight to a cozy trattoria, where every ingredient sings with authentic flavor.

Dive into this recipe and turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Pesto Chicken: What You’ll Need

• Chicken Fillets: Lean, tender meat that serves as the hearty foundation of the dish, selecting fresh, high-quality cuts ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken, freshly ground pepper provides the most vibrant taste.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, balancing the overall seasoning of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base with a delicate fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for the richest flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture that binds the sauce together, select full-fat cream for maximum richness.
• Basil Pesto: Introduces a bright, herbaceous character with robust Italian-inspired flavors, opt for fresh or high-quality jarred versions.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the entire sauce's complexity, fresh cloves offer the most intense flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty dimension that rounds out the sauce, choose freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor intensity.

Tools to Prepare Pesto Chicken

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the creamy pesto sauce.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Cheese grater: Needed to grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the final touch.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing and seasoning chicken before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for trimming chicken and mincing garlic.

Cooking Directions for Pesto Chicken

• Flavor Foundation

Grab your chicken fillets and shower them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, massaging the seasonings into every nook and cranny for maximum taste excitement.

• Sizzling Golden Transformation

Warm up a skillet with a splash of olive oil, creating a perfect stage for your chicken. Dance those fillets around the pan, letting them turn a gorgeous golden brown on both sides until they’re perfectly cooked through.

• Sauce Symphony

In the same sizzling pan, welcome minced garlic for a quick aromatic dance. Pour in velvety cream and luxurious pesto, swirling them together into a creamy masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Flavor Fusion

Reunite the chicken with its saucy companion, letting them cuddle and mingle in the skillet. Allow the sauce to whisper and bubble, transforming into a rich, slightly thickened coating that hugs each chicken piece.

• Cheesy Crescendo

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into silky ribbons that weave through the sauce, creating a final layer of decadent deliciousness that elevates the entire dish.

Adjustments & Enhancements for Pesto Chicken

• Pesto Power Boost: Swap store-bought pesto with homemade for a fresher, more vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Swap Magic: Replace chicken with turkey, fish, or tofu for a delightful twist that keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes during the final simmering stage to add extra nutrition and color to the creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Serve the pesto chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a lighter, more health-conscious meal option.
• Cheese Lover's Hack: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses to create unique flavor profiles that make the dish truly your own.

Serving Pesto Chicken Right

• Cozy Dinner Plate Paradise: Nestle the golden-brown chicken alongside a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, letting the rich pesto sauce cascade over each delectable bite.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the herbal and creamy notes of the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully balance the pesto's intense flavors.
• Fresh Veggie Sidekick: Add a vibrant roasted vegetable medley like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini to bring color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken, creating a well-rounded meal that delights every sense.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves or toasted pine nuts on top for an extra layer of texture and a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dining experience.

How to Store Pesto Chicken

• Advance Meal Prep: Chop chicken and prepare sauce ingredients up to 24 hours before cooking, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline dinner preparation and save precious time during busy weeknights.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure sauce and chicken remain separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm chicken in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, use microwave with 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months, providing a convenient make-ahead meal solution for hectic schedules.

Effortless Pesto Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy pesto chicken delight invites culinary adventurers into a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Parmesan, basil, and tender chicken merge in a luxurious sauce that delivers rich flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 4 pieces chicken fillets, boneless, skinless (1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
• ½ cup basil pesto (120 ml)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (25 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (5 g)
• ½ tsp black pepper (2.5 g)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Thoroughly massage chicken fillets with salt and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration across entire surface.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium flame until surface shimmers, then carefully place seasoned chicken fillets, cooking 6-7 minutes per side to achieve golden-brown caramelization and complete internal cooking.
3. Flavor Development: Remove chicken and retain skillet drippings; introduce minced garlic, releasing aromatic essence before adding heavy cream and basil pesto, whisking to create smooth, vibrant sauce.
4. Sauce Integration: Return chicken to skillet, gently coating each piece with creamy pesto mixture, allowing ingredients to harmonize during 3-5 minute gentle simmer.
5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into sauce, stirring until completely melted, creating a luxurious, velvety coating that elevates the entire dish’s complexity and richness.

Notes

• Seasoning Strategy: Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile and promote even cooking.
• Temperature Control: Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, maintaining chicken’s moisture and tenderness.
• Sauce Consistency: Stir cream and pesto continuously to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to ensure complete integration and prevent clumping or uneven distribution.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg