Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

5-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Chicken

There’s nothing better than a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying. This 5-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Chicken brings rich flavors together in one pan, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh pesto delivers a meal that feels gourmet while staying effortless to prepare.

If you love recipes that keep things simple without sacrificing flavor, this dish is for you. With just five key ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort. The creamy pesto sauce coats every bite with a luscious, garlicky richness, while the parmesan adds a perfect touch of cheesy indulgence. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies to make it your own.

Best of all, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes using a single pan, meaning less time in the kitchen and fewer dishes to wash. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something creamy and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Let’s dive in!

Recipe Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (or 4 small breasts)
    • For seasoning:
      • ½ teaspoon salt
      • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
      • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ⅓ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, for serving

How to Make It:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • For extra tenderness and even cooking, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
    • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps it brown better.
    • Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
    • For a richer, golden crust, use a combination of butter and oil when searing the chicken.
    • Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
    • Lower the heat to medium and add a splash more oil if needed.
    • Stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm for about 1 minute.
    • Add the basil pesto and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until well combined.
    • Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese is fully melted.
  3. Combine & Simmer:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
    • Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    • Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Serve & Enjoy!
    • Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving.
    • Serve hot over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, spooning extra sauce over the top for added flavor.
    • Garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Tricks:

Chicken Cut Shortcut – Slice chicken breasts in half for faster cooking. ✅ Lighten It Up – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap for Greek yogurt. ✅ Extra Creamy? – Add 1 oz of cream cheese for an ultra-luxurious texture. ✅ Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations:

  • Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
  • Swap the Protein – Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
  • Keto-Friendly – Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

Why You’ll Love It

One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, easy cleanup!
✔️ Rich & Creamy – Comfort food at its finest.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust spice, protein, or sides to your liking!

Pinterest Pro Tip:

Save this recipe for later and share it with friends who love easy and delicious dinners! #EasyDinner #PestoChicken #OnePanMeal

Related Posts