This Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delicious dish that’s super quick to make! With tender chicken breast cooked in a creamy pesto sauce, it’s packed with flavor and comfort.
You’ll love how simply it comes together—just cook the chicken, add the creamy sauce, and voila! Perfect with pasta or on rice. Trust me, your plate will be licked clean! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish, but you can use thighs if you prefer dark meat. They’re often juicier and can add more flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
Basil Pesto: Homemade pesto is tastier, but store-bought works really well too. If you can’t find basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto or a different herb pesto can be a nice twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add freshness and sweetness. Substitute with diced regular tomatoes if needed, but you might miss that burst of flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken so it’s juicy and tender is important. Here are some tips:
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to allow for even cooking.
- If using frozen chicken, thaw it first for better cooking results.
Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. It will smell amazing!
5. Combining the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors and heat through.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make pesto chicken!
FAQ about Easy Creamy Pesto Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy pesto sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to warm through before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, if you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and texture of the sauce!
