There’s something truly magical about a meal that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, and this Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe does just that. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce bursting with the herby freshness of pesto and enriched by silky cream. It’s comfort food elevated with bright, vibrant notes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends without fuss. Every bite sings with freshness from cherry tomatoes and the nutty tang of Parmesan cheese, making this dish a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating those layers of flavor and creamy texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the tender chicken to the fragrant basil pesto, it’s all about balance and brightness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook and perfectly adaptable to absorb the sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 2 tablespoons pesto: Adds a punch of herbaceous goodness straight into the cooking process.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- ¼ cup dry white wine: Introduces acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and lift the sauce.
- ¾ cup heavy cream (room temperature): The secret to that luscious, silky texture of the sauce.
- ½ cup pesto: Extra to enrich the sauce with fresh basil and pine nut flavor.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring a burst of juicy sweetness and color balance.
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that ties the flavors together.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for serving): A fragrant garnish that elevates the dish visually and aromatically.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly flavored. This simple step ensures the chicken itself shines through once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes each. This caramelization builds flavor and locks in juices, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Pesto and Wine
Once the chicken is nicely browned, spoon in 2 tablespoons of pesto, letting it melt slightly in the pan. Pour in the dry white wine, which will deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. This mixture forms the base of your sauce, balancing herbiness with a splash of acidity.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and More Pesto
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ cup of pesto. Gently simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly and becomes a velvety cloak around the chicken. This creamy pesto sauce is where the magic truly happens.
Step 5: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over everything. Let it cook just long enough for the tomatoes to soften slightly but remain bright, allowing their sweet, juicy pop to complement the rich sauce perfectly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat. If you like, garnish with chopped fresh basil to add an herbal freshness and a pop of color before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil isn’t just for looks—it adds a lively, aromatic finish that brings the flavors of this creamy pesto chicken recipe to life. A light sprinkle of additional Parmesan also adds an irresistible savory touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic-infused pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or lightly sautéed greens. Each side helps soak up that luscious sauce, making every forkful a delightful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of buttery polenta or fluffy couscous. You can also plate the chicken atop grilled vegetables to add more texture and taste contrasts, making your meal look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the dish even tastier when enjoyed the next day.
Freezing
This creamy pesto chicken recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or water can help restore creaminess if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use dry white wine?
Dry white wine enhances the sauce with acidity and complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice for similar brightness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this creamy pesto chicken recipe dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes uncovered. You can also whisk in a small bit of cornstarch slurry if you want faster thickening without losing creaminess.
Is the pesto homemade or store-bought better?
Both work wonderfully! Homemade pesto offers a fresh, personalized touch, but high-quality store-bought pesto can save time and still deliver fantastic flavor in this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that brings people to the table with smiles. Give it a try—you might just find it quickly becoming one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy dinners with a fresh twist.
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy pesto chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy 30-minute meal perfect for weeknight dinners, combining Italian-inspired ingredients for a delightful and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- ½ cup pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add Cream and Pesto: Stir in the heavy cream and both tablespoons and then half a cup of pesto until fully combined and smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften but still retain their shape.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over the top. Simmer everything together on low heat for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish with Parmesan and Basil: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature heavy cream to avoid curdling when added to the hot sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes add color and a slight sweetness; grape tomatoes can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the amount of pesto according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger herbal flavor.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy pesto sauce.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
