Creamy Pesto Chicken
Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavorful, one-skillet dish featuring juicy chicken in a rich basil pesto cream sauce. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or veggies—ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze pan with chicken broth or wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in cream and pesto. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan and tomatoes if using.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm over pasta, rice, or veggies.
Notes
- Use a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
- To thicken sauce, simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
- To make dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free pesto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-2/
