There’s something comforting and downright satisfying about creamy sauces that hug tender chicken just right. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those meals that comes together quickly but feels luxurious, thanks to the silky pesto cream sauce. You’re going to love how simple ingredients turn into something that tastes like a restaurant-worthy dinner.

A red cast iron pan holds four browned chicken pieces covered in a creamy light yellow sauce speckled with green herbs. The sauce has a smooth, thick texture, pooling around and partly covering the chicken. A silver spoon with a long handle rests on the edge of the pan, filled with the same sauce, showing its thick consistency. The whole pan sits on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t tell you how often I find myself reaching for this creamy pesto chicken skillet when I want something quick but still feel like I’m treating myself. It’s just that good – creamy, bright, and full of flavor, and it never fails to impress guests or family around the dinner table.

Minimal Ingredients: Only five main ingredients mean less time shopping and more time enjoying.
One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Flavor-Packed: The pesto adds a gorgeous herbaceous punch that amps up simple chicken beautifully.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different herbs, cream types, or even add-ins you love.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in making this dish feel rich and satisfying without being complicated. Grab quality pesto and fresh chicken breasts to really let this recipe shine.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with smooth pink skin, coarse sea salt and mixed black and white peppercorns scattered nearby, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy green pesto sauce studded with fresh basil leaves, another small white bowl holding thick heavy cream with a soft creamy texture, a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, and a small cube of pale yellow butter on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Chicken breasts: I find that slicing them thin helps them cook quickly and evenly in the skillet, preventing dryness.
Salt & pepper: Season lightly to avoid oversalting, since pesto can already be quite salty.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps get a golden sear on the chicken.
Butter: Throws in a silky, indulgent touch that complements the olive oil perfectly when searing.
Pesto: A bright herb base that brings garlic, basil, and pine nuts to the party—store-bought works great, but homemade is always fun!
Heavy cream: Thickens the sauce creating that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves in skillet recipes.

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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

This creamy pesto chicken skillet is like a blank canvas—you can add your own spin depending on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. I love to switch things up seasonally or add a little extra veggie boost.

Variation: Sometimes I stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to add a sweet tang that pairs beautifully with the pesto cream.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut cream or cashew cream if you want to skip dairy but keep the richness.
Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Protein Swap: Try the same method with turkey cutlets or even firm tofu for a vegetarian adaptation.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white round plate holds three main layers of food, all covered with a light brown creamy gravy with black pepper specks and green herb bits. On the left side is a creamy layer of mashed potatoes in an irregular mound shape with some texture showing. At the top center is a small pile of bright green cut green beans, with smooth cut ends and a firm texture. On the right is a cooked chicken breast that is golden brown with some light grill marks and covered in the same creamy gravy. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

I slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets—this helps them cook faster and stay juicy. Then, I season them lightly with salt and pepper. Remember, it’s best to go easy on salt here because pesto can be salty.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Then, I add the chicken, cooking each side about 4-5 minutes until golden and beautifully seared. This step locks in moisture and builds flavor. After searing, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Reduce heat to medium, pour the pesto and cream into the same skillet, and stir to combine all those tasty browned bits left behind from the chicken. Adding these to the sauce layers even more depth.

Step 4: Simmer Together and Finish

Pop the chicken back into the skillet with any juices collected on the plate. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (check with a meat thermometer, because that’s the secret to juicy, correctly cooked chicken). The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken perfectly. If the sauce gets too thick too soon, a splash of water, white wine, or chicken broth helps loosen it without losing flavor.

Top Tip

From cooking this creamy pesto chicken skillet countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make the difference from good to exceptional:

Get that nice sear: Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding chicken. Avoid crowding the pan to get a perfect crust.
Don’t rush the simmer: Let the sauce thicken slowly with the chicken to absorb flavor and get that velvety texture.
Use a thermometer: Checking the chicken’s internal temp keeps it juicy—not overcooked or dry.
Balance salt carefully: Add salt after simmering if needed, since pesto can be quite salty already.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sometimes just a few pine nuts toasted in a dry pan and sprinkled on top add such a nice crunch contrast to that creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans. Or for a cozy comfort food vibe, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles soak up every drop of that pesto sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this creamy pesto chicken over a bed of creamy risotto and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning plate. It’s also lovely spooned over polenta or alongside crispy roasted potatoes for a crowd-pleasing presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken a bit—just add a little splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring it right back to silky perfection.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, this creamy pesto chicken skillet does freeze well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze in portions without garnish, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of extra liquid.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps refresh the sauce, keeping it luscious and smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and can add extra flavor. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

What kind of pesto works best?

Fresh basil pesto is classic, but you can use sun-dried tomato pesto or even arugula pesto for a twist. Store-bought is convenient and generally works well, just taste before salting.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free butter or olive oil alone to achieve a creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Cook the sauce gently on medium or lower heat and avoid boiling once the cream is added. Adding cream gradually and stirring constantly helps keep the sauce smooth and silky.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I hold onto for its ease and elegance. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, its rich yet fresh flavor profile makes everyone feel like you went the extra mile. I really hope you try making this in your kitchen—it’s comforting, quick, and absolutely delicious, just like a great friend’s recommendation.