Creamy Pesto Chicken

why make this recipe

This dish is quick and tasty. It uses simple ingredients and gives a rich, creamy sauce with bright pesto flavor. It works for a weeknight dinner or a calm weekend meal. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and the meal feels special without hard work.

introduction

Creamy Pesto Chicken is chicken cooked and served in a creamy pesto sauce. The sauce mixes heavy cream and pesto for a smooth, fresh taste. You only need a few steps to get a rich dish that most people enjoy.

how to make Creamy Pesto Chicken

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and pesto. Stir until the sauce is warm and smooth.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it well with the sauce. Warm for a minute or two.
5. Serve the chicken with grated Parmesan on top.

Ingredients :

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions :

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring until well combined and heated through.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy pesto sauce.
5. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

how to serve Creamy Pesto Chicken

Serve this chicken over pasta, rice, or with steamed vegetables. A simple salad on the side works well. Leftovers make a great sandwich or melt. You can even use leftovers to make a tasty pesto panini — try this easy pesto panini recipe for a quick lunch idea.

how to store Creamy Pesto Chicken

Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Do not leave the dish at room temperature for more than two hours.

tips to make Creamy Pesto Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a good sear.
• Use full-fat heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper as needed. Pesto can be salty, so check before adding more salt.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it.
• Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

variation (if any)

• Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet before adding cream for extra flavor.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes or spinach stirred into the sauce for color and texture.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less thick.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Yes. Store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Taste the sauce before adding salt.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but cream sauces can change texture after thawing. Freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly.

Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 20–25 minutes total. Searing the chicken takes 10–15 minutes and making the sauce takes a few minutes.

Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Cook and store in containers. Keep sauce and chicken together or separate for easier reheating.

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