Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Pesto Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Italian dish. It is usually made with boneless chicken breasts, basil pesto sauce, heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, basic seasonings, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pesto Chicken is one of the easy and best chicken dishes that taste great with pasta dishes, rice dishes, or a simple salad. It is also a popular comfort food that is perfect for both lunch and dinner. And the best part is it comes together in just under 30 minutes.

The recipe I have shared here provides you with easy step-by-step instructions on how to make Pesto Chicken. Additionally, I have included a detailed video to visually demonstrate the process.

Jump to:

• What is Pesto Chicken?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How to Make Pesto Chicken at Home?
• Tips
• Storage Suggestions
• Serving Suggestions
• Related Recipes
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe Video
• 📖 Recipe
• FAQ

What is Pesto Chicken?

Pesto Chicken is a creamy, rich, and one of the flavorful Italian dishes. This delicious dish is made using aromatics such as onion and garlic, succulent chicken breasts, tangy cherry tomatoes, basic seasonings, heavy cream, pesto sauce, and some crunchy toppings like toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese. This creamy Pesto Chicken is a versatile dish that tastes great for lunch or dinner, and it pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it over pasta, rice dishes, or with a simple salad on the side.

Making Pesto Chicken at home is incredibly easy and quick. You can create this fine-dining restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen without much hassle. The dish has a complex flavor and texture, with the creamy sauce and succulent chicken marrying well with the tangy cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil pesto. The benefits of making this dish at home include the ability to customize it to your liking and surprise your loved ones with a homemade gourmet meal.

If you're planning a chicken dinner and looking for an Italian recipe, then Pesto Chicken is a must-try dish. It can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted or baked vegetables, bread, or your favorite pasta dishes. The dish is sure to impress your guests with its creamy, tangy, and flavorful taste profile.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients needed to make this delicious Pesto Chicken are basic Italian pantry staples that can be easily found in most retail grocery markets near you. Let's take a closer look at each of the ingredients:

• Basil Pesto Sauce: This recipe calls for basil pesto sauce, but you can also try other varieties of pesto sauce to switch up the flavor. While here I have used pesto sauce you can also use a homemade pesto sauce for a more personalized touch
• Aromatics: Ingredients like onion and garlic add a lot of warmth and flavor to the Pesto Chicken
• Seasonings: Basic seasonings like chili flakes, black pepper, and salt add savory and light spicy notes to your dish. You can also add fresh basil herbs to give the dish a more in-depth flavor

• Chicken Breast: I have used boneless chicken breast in this recipe, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs for variation
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is an essential ingredient in this recipe, as it creates a smooth, creamy, and rich sauce when combined with the pesto sauce. However, if you do not have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half as a substitute. Keep in mind that using half-and-half will create a less creamy texture compared to heavy cream
• Cherry Tomatoes: These tomatoes deliver a tangy flavor and vibrant color to the dish
• Fats: Olive oil and unsalted butter both create a nice, rich flavor to the pesto chicken
• Garnishings: Ingredients like toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese deliver a nutty, savory, and unique flavor to the dish

For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.

How to Make Pesto Chicken at Home?

The recipe I have shared here is Pesto Chicken, a flavorful and creamy dish. It is made with tender chicken breast, aromatic herbs, and rich pesto sauce. It's a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like fine dining. Serve it with your favorite pasta or side dish for a satisfying meal.

Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.

To Marinate the Chicken

• Marinate chicken: Begin by placing thinly sliced boneless chicken breast in a bowl. Add black pepper, salt, and 3 tablespoons of classic basil pesto sauce or a pesto sauce of your choice. Mix everything well to coat the chicken nicely
• Rest the chicken: If time permits, you can rest the chicken in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This will help the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it more tender

To Make Creamy Pesto Chicken

• Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breast to the pan and fry it for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry. (Note: However, I would suggest checking the internal temperature using a meat thermometer, it should read the safest temperature of 165°F as suggested by FDA. If it does not, cook it for a few additional minutes)
• Remove and reserve: Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the oil and set it aside for later use
• Saute the aromatics: Using the same pan and remaining oil, add butter, onion, and garlic, and sauté until they turn fragrant
• Add the cherry tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and give them a gentle stir. Be careful not to let them turn mushy
• Stir in pesto sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add ¼ cup of basil pesto sauce. Mix well to combine the ingredients
• Create smooth sauce: Add heavy cream to the pan and mix everything well to create a smooth, creamy sauce
• Season: Season the sauce mixture with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste
• Add chicken: Add the reserved fried chicken breast and its juice into the cream sauce mixture and coat it well with the sauce. The chicken juices will add flavor and richness to the sauce
• Simmer: Simmer the creamy chicken pesto mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.
• Garnish and serve: Garnish the Pesto Chicken with basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Now the creamy Chicken Pesto is ready for you to taste and enjoy

Tips

• Marinating the chicken: Marinating the chicken in pesto sauce and seasoning for at least 15 minutes before cooking can help infuse the chicken with flavor and make it more tender
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Be sure to cook the chicken for only 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink. (Note: However, I would suggest checking the internal temperature using a meat thermometer, it should read the safest temperature of 165°F as suggested by FDA. If it does not, cook it for a few additional minutes)
• Be careful not to burn the garlic and onions: Garlic and onions can burn quickly, so it is important to sauté them over medium heat until they are fragrant but not burned
• Use good quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients like fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and good-quality cream can make a big difference in the flavor of the dish
• Reheat on medium-low heat: When reheating the leftovers, it is recommended to do so on medium-low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating
• Garnish well: The final touch of garnishing with basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts can enhance the flavors and presentation of the dish

Storage Suggestions

This Creamy Pesto Chicken tastes great when served hot and fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in a closed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, heat the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is heated. Please note that the cream sauce may separate during the reheating process, which is a common occurrence. To avoid this, it is recommended to reheat on medium-low heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Pesto Chicken tastes great with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

• Pasta Dishes: This dish goes very well with any type of pasta, such as spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, fettuccine, or penne. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, toss it with a little olive oil, and serve it alongside the chicken
• Rice Dishes: You can also serve this chicken with rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice
• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is a great way to soak up the creamy sauce
• Salad: A simple side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and red onion dressed with a light vinaigrette can add freshness and balance to the meal
• Roasted or Baked Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini, are a great way to add color and nutrition to the meal
• Sauteed Dishes: Sauteed vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms, can be a tasty and healthy addition to the meal

Related Recipes

You could also find similar recipes below and more at pasta recipes, and chicken breast recipes.

• Basil Pesto Sauce
• Pesto Pasta
• Pesto Chicken Pasta
• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• Garlic Butter Chicken
• Lemon Chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
• Chicken Parmesan
• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe Video

I have also shared a detailed video of this Pesto Chicken Recipe below that I hope will help you make a rich and delicious meal at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.

📖 Recipe

FAQ

I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!