Craving a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful? Say hello to Creamy Pesto Chicken! Picture this: tender, juicy chicken smothered in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce that’s bursting with the fresh flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Trust me, you’re going to love every bite!
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Pesto Chicken
This recipe is a total game-changer. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting, and here’s why you’ll be hooked:
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dinner that feels like a special treat. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Creamy and Delicious: The creamy pesto sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, garlicky, and has a delightful herbal kick from the basil. Plus, the chicken absorbs all that delicious sauce, making every bite better than the last.
Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with so many sides. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies, it’s sure to complement whatever you’re craving.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to love. It’s got that perfect balance of comfort and gourmet, making it great for everything from casual dinners to dinner parties.
Budget-Friendly: Using just a few ingredients, this dish feels fancy without breaking the bank. No need for expensive cuts of chicken or fancy ingredients!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy chicken dish:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, offering a juicy, tender texture that soaks up the creamy pesto sauce beautifully.
- Pesto Sauce: The key ingredient! A good pesto will bring that fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan flavor that makes this dish stand out.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy texture that takes the sauce from good to amazing. It adds richness and makes the pesto sauce smooth and luscious.
- Garlic: Because no savory dish is complete without garlic! It enhances the flavors of the pesto and adds an irresistible aroma.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for adding that salty, nutty flavor that elevates the pesto.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken to golden perfection and adding a touch of richness.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this flavorful dish:
1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken up.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pesto sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken, cover, and let everything simmer for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to soak up some of the sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is fully coated in that creamy pesto sauce, it’s ready to be served! You can serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken
This dish is perfect with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even better:
- Pasta: Serve the creamy pesto chicken on a bed of pasta, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, to soak up all the rich sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a colorful, nutritious side.
- Rice: Serve it over fluffy white rice or a hearty grain like quinoa for a filling meal.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the pesto sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This makes putting the dish together even quicker on the day you plan to cook.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can skip the cooking step and just heat it up in the sauce for a super quick meal.
- Veggie Version: For a vegetarian version, use grilled vegetables or tofu instead of chicken.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great if you’re short on time, but homemade pesto will elevate the dish even more.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat the chicken in the sauce before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover creamy pesto chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze the chicken in the creamy pesto sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove.
Q5: Can I use a different type of meat?
A5: Yes! You can use chicken thighs, turkey, or even fish like salmon for a delicious variation.
Q6: What other herbs can I use in the pesto?
A6: Basil is the classic herb, but you can also mix in other herbs like spinach, parsley, or arugula for a unique twist.
Q7: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A7: Yes! Use a dairy-free pesto, almond milk, and dairy-free Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A8: Absolutely! Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Q9: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A9: If you’d like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Conclusion
Creamy Pesto Chicken is the perfect combination of rich, savory, and fresh flavors. With its creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and versatility, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Happy cooking!
Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe is a rich and savory dish featuring succulent chicken breasts smothered in a creamy pesto sauce. It’s the perfect combination of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan in a creamy base, creating a deliciously smooth and flavorful sauce. Ideal for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe will make your weeknight meals special.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and pesto, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over the chicken. Cook for 2-3 more minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can use homemade pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and pine nuts.
- This dish pairs perfectly with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg