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In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick, delicious, and fuss-free dinner ideas is essential. The Quick Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet recipe is exactly that — a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy pesto sauce for a gourmet taste that’s easy to make and clean up afterward.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or craving a hassle-free dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this creamy pesto chicken skillet recipe delivers. It’s perfect for weeknights when time is tight but quality matters, plus it’s family-friendly and uses common ingredients that are pantry staples or easily found at your local store.
Why Choose This Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe?
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and adds a fresh herbaceous note that transforms simple chicken breasts into a standout dish.
By adding cream to the pesto, you get a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly and turns this skillet into a comforting meal. Plus, cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes and less cleanup—always a win!
Benefits of This Recipe
Ready in just 30 minutes
One-pan meal for easy cleanup
Protein-packed and satisfying
Family-friendly flavors
Can be paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables
No pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol — suitable for various dietary preferences
Ingredients Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Quick Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Step 1: Season the Chicken Breasts
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Add the basil pesto and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Step 7: Optional Add-ins and Garnish
For a pop of color and extra nutrition, add halved cherry tomatoes into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pesto chicken skillet pairs wonderfully with:
Pasta: Toss cooked fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti in the sauce for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans make a perfect side.
Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy pesto sauce.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken
Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear until golden but finish cooking gently in the sauce to keep it juicy.
Use good quality pesto: Fresh homemade pesto or high-quality store-bought pesto will make a big flavor difference.
Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or water. For extra richness, add a bit more cream or Parmesan.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and Parmesan.
Add texture: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top for crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving approx.)
Calories: 420
Protein: 45g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish contains no gluten. Just ensure any store-bought pesto is labeled gluten-free.
3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to be juicier, though cooking times may vary slightly.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze cooked chicken with the sauce, but the cream sauce texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet is an ideal recipe for anyone who wants a delicious, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, herbaceous pesto sauce elevates simple chicken breasts into a dish that feels special yet is so easy to make.
Whether paired with pasta, rice, or veggies, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that’s all done in one pan!
