There’s something truly comforting about the blend of creamy richness and fresh basil flavors in a Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s a quick, elegant dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a luscious, satisfying meal almost effortlessly.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve come back to this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe time and again because it’s so straightforward yet packs layers of flavor. The creaminess balances the herbal punch of the pesto, and it all comes together in a single pan—less cleanup and maximum yum!
- Speedy Comfort Food: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy but don’t want to slave over the stove.
- One-Skillet Convenience: You cook everything in one pan, so you can focus more on enjoying your meal and less on dish duty.
- Rich and Flavor-Forward: The combination of parmesan, pesto, and creamy sauce creates a decadent, restaurant-quality flavor that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
- Customizable and Flexible: You can tweak herbs, cheese, or even swap cream for lighter options without losing that comforting vibe.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe shines by combining just a handful of ingredients that complement each other perfectly — creamy richness, herbaceous pesto, and tender chicken. Plus, you probably have most of these basics in your pantry.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pounding them thin helps them cook quickly and evenly, keeping them juicy.
- All-Purpose Flour: This light coating helps develop a golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Basil Pesto: The star herbaceous flavor—homemade or store-bought both work well here.
- Heavy Cream: Adds silky richness and creates that luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the creamy sauce, giving a nice umami depth and subtle saltiness.
- Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and visual pop.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken, contributing to a flavorful crust.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in sun-dried tomato pesto for a tangier twist or add a handful of spinach straight into the sauce for extra greens.
- Variation: Try stirring in a splash of white wine or lemon juice during the sauce step for a brighter flavor profile—I love this on spring evenings!
- Diet-Friendly: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce version without giving up creaminess.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms or cherry tomatoes tossed in at the sauce stage make the dish even more dinner-plate-worthy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Pound and Prepare the Chicken
Start by laying out some plastic wrap and placing 1-2 chicken breasts between two layers. I find pounding the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch, is key—it keeps the cooking time uniform and ensures juicy, tender meat. It doesn't take much force; a meat mallet or even a rolling pin works great.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each chicken breast until they're fully coated. This step creates a subtle crust when seared, helping lock in moisture and adding that irresistible golden color.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5-8 minutes per side. You're aiming for a beautiful golden brown without rushing the process—this builds flavor and seals juices. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, tent it with foil to rest, and don't skip this; resting keeps it juicy!
Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Pesto Sauce
Using the same skillet (with all those browned bits), stir in the basil pesto and cook for 1-2 minutes until you can really smell that herbal aroma. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until the sauce starts bubbling and thickening slightly. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper—this little sauce is so flavorful it’s important to get it just right!
Step 5: Bring It All Together with Parmesan
Return the chicken and any juices from the plate back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top, cover the skillet briefly just until the cheese melts—this adds a wonderful depth and slight nuttiness to the dish. Finish with fresh basil or parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Top Tip
Making this dish for the first time? Here’s what I’ve learned from personal experience that’ll help you nail the perfect creamy pesto chicken every time.
- Even Thickness Matters: Pound the chicken evenly to avoid dry edges and undercooked centers—this is a game-changer.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the chicken develop that golden crust undisturbed for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Use the Same Pan: Cooking the sauce in the same skillet lets you scrape up all the flavorful browned bits, elevating the sauce’s taste.
- Rest the Chicken: After searing, tent the meat with foil—resting keeps it tender and locks in juices.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top—adds a bright herbal note and a beautiful green contrast to the creamy sauce. Sometimes I add a few toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top for a little crunch and extra nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with a simple side of garlic-roasted asparagus or steamed green beans. For a cozy pairing, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered linguine soak up the pesto sauce perfectly. I’ve also enjoyed it served alongside a vibrant arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this creamy pesto chicken sliced over a platter of roasted vegetables with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks stunning on the table. You can also plate the chicken on top of saffron rice or quinoa to elevate the experience further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it velvety rather than thickening up too much.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish with decent results—just be sure to cool it entirely before placing in a freezer-safe container. When thawing, do it slowly overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream, broth, or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and stay juicy, just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs tend to cook a bit faster and stay more tender.
Heavy cream provides that luscious silky texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. Just be mindful that thinner liquids may produce a less rich sauce.
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of parmesan. The pesto usually contains cheese, so check ingredient labels or use a dairy-free pesto.
Simmer the sauce gently over medium to low heat and avoid boiling it vigorously. Adding the cream slowly and stirring continuously helps maintain a smooth texture. If you notice separation, whisking in a tiny bit of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water can help re-emulsify the sauce.
Final Thoughts
When I make this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe, it feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients done right. It’s one of those dishes that I’ll make on a weeknight but feel like I’m indulging in something special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you’re going to love how easy it is to turn everyday chicken into something so creamy, herbaceous, and satisfying!
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Creamy Skillet Pesto Chicken is a quick and decadent dinner recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich basil pesto and creamy parmesan sauce, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Garnish
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Lay out a piece of plastic wrap and place 1-2 chicken breasts on it. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
- Coat the chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 8 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside.
- Make the sauce: To the same skillet, add the basil pesto and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and heat until warmed through and beginning to bubble. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and finish: Return the chicken along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and cook until the cheese melts. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish comes together quickly and is perfect for a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce may be less thick.
- If fresh basil or parsley aren't available, dried herbs can be used but add them earlier in the sauce to bloom their flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1056 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg
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