Creamy Pesto Chicken: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner

Few dishes are as satisfying, comforting, and vibrant as Creamy Pesto Chicken. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a silky cream sauce infused with basil pesto and Parmesan cheese. It’s rich and decadent yet bright and herbaceous, making it a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

The inspiration for this recipe came from a summer trip to Italy, where pesto was served in every imaginable way—from pasta to pizza to rustic meat dishes. One standout meal was a creamy chicken entrée finished with a swirl of homemade pesto. It struck the perfect balance between richness and freshness, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. This version brings all of those flavors together in one skillet, with simple steps and ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or impressing guests on the weekend, Creamy Pesto Chicken is the kind of meal that feels gourmet while still being quick and easy.

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Why You’ll Love Creamy Pesto Chicken

• One-pan recipe: Easy cooking and even easier cleanup.

• Full of flavor: Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and herbaceous all at once.

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30–35 minutes.

• Versatile: Works with pasta, rice, potatoes, or bread.

• Customizable: Use homemade pesto or your favorite jarred brand.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken)

• ¾ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ⅓ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish

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How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

5. Remove chicken and set aside, tenting with foil.

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Step 2: Make the Pesto Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Sprinkle in the flour, whisk, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, pesto, and red pepper flakes.

5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

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Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy pesto sauce.

2. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

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What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken

This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with:

Pasta & Grains

• Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti

• Rice pilaf or jasmine rice

• Quinoa or couscous

Potatoes

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Parmesan roasted baby potatoes

• Creamy polenta

Vegetables

• Steamed green beans or asparagus

• Roasted broccoli or zucchini

• Spinach sautéed with garlic

Bread

• Garlic breadsticks

• Crusty baguette

• Focaccia

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Tips for Success

• Use fresh pesto for the brightest flavor, but a good-quality jar works too.

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, uniform cooking.

• Don’t skip deglazing: Those browned bits in the skillet add tons of flavor to the sauce.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoothly into the sauce.

• Double the sauce if serving with pasta (trust me, you’ll want extra).

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Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Want to make your own? Here’s a quick version:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)

• 2 cloves garlic

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Blend basil, Parmesan, nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

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Variations

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

Swap half of the basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a tangy twist.

Spinach Pesto Chicken

Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for extra greens.

Pesto Mushroom Chicken

Sauté mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy flavor addition.

Cheesy Pesto Chicken Bake

Top the skillet with mozzarella cheese and broil until bubbly for a baked variation.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

• Chicken can be seared a day in advance.

• Sauce can be prepared separately and refrigerated.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Skillet: Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.

• Microwave: Use 50% power in short bursts, stirring sauce often.

Freezing

• Cream sauces may separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

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Healthier Options

• Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

• Try Greek yogurt (added off-heat) for a protein-rich option.

• Add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.

• Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor. Adjust cook time slightly.

Can I make this without cream?

You can substitute milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add extra Parmesan to help thicken.

Can I use jarred pesto?

Absolutely—just choose a high-quality brand with real basil and Parmesan.

What wine pairs best?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the basil and cream perfectly.

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Conclusion: Creamy Comfort with a Fresh Twist

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is everything you want in a cozy dinner: juicy chicken, a velvety Parmesan-pesto sauce, and endless serving possibilities. It’s rich and indulgent, yet the freshness of basil keeps it light and balanced.

Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to mop up every last drop, this dish brings a little taste of Italy to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even a dinner party centerpiece, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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Loved this recipe? Save it for your next weeknight meal or share it with friends who love bold, comforting flavors. For more creamy chicken dishes, try our Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Creamy Garlic Chicken, or Creamy Cajun Chicken next!

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