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.

A round black pan is filled with creamy sauce-coated penne pasta, light yellow with green herbs mixed in, creating a thick texture. On top of the pasta, there are two rows of sliced cooked chicken placed in a slightly curved shape, showing the white inside and light brown outside with a sprinkle of green herbs. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. To the top right, there is a small wooden board holding two blocks of light yellow cheese and a metal grater. A small green plant is partially visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

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.

A black pan filled with light green creamy sauce has three cooked chicken pieces inside. The chicken pieces have a light golden brown crust on top and small green herb bits sprinkled over them. A metal spoon is holding some thick creamy sauce above one chicken piece, with the sauce slowly dripping down onto it. The pan sits on a round cork mat, and a small clear bowl with chopped green herbs is blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with dried garlic powder mixed with salt and black pepper, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green basil pesto, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small pile of shredded parmesan cheese on a white ceramic plate, and a few fresh basil leaves scattered artistically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

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.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

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.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

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.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

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!