1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Pesto Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken

Featured in Center of the plate recipes.

Creamy Pesto Chicken offers a perfect balance of fresh flavors and rich textures in a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. This weeknight-friendly dish features thin-sliced chicken breasts that cook quickly and remain tender, surrounded by a luscious sauce that combines aromatic pesto with velvety heavy cream. What makes this recipe special is how it incorporates bright cherry tomatoes that burst and release their sweet juices, along with fresh spinach that adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness. The foundation of garlic and shallot creates a flavorful base, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth that brings all the ingredients together. Versatile enough to be served over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables, this dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:21 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A pan of chicken with tomatoes and greens. pin it
A pan of chicken with tomatoes and greens. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This creamy pesto chicken transforms everyday chicken breasts into something truly special with minimal effort. The combination of vibrant pesto, sweet roasted tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop, not minutes. The cream sauce brings everything together into a silky, satisfying dish that feels indulgent while still incorporating plenty of vegetables for a balanced one-pan meal.

I first made this on a rainy Tuesday when I needed comfort food but had zero energy for anything complicated. The family devoured it so quickly I barely got seconds! Now it's my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly - it never fails to impress despite taking only minutes to prepare.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced or pounded thin for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Cherry tomatoes: These concentrate into sweet little bursts of flavor as they cook.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds nutrition, color, and an earthy balance to the rich cream.
  • Pesto: Store-bought works well, but homemade offers an even fresher taste.
  • Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that clings to every bite.
  • Shallots: Provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to regular onions.

Cooking Instructions

Season chicken with intention: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This ensures a beautiful sear.

Create the perfect sear: Heat a pan until hot before adding oil, then cook chicken pieces without overcrowding to achieve a golden crust.

Build flavor foundations: Remove chicken and sauté shallots, garlic, and tomatoes in the same pan, allowing the tomatoes to burst.

Create your luscious sauce: Add cream and stock slowly, stirring to deglaze the flavorful bits from the pan.

Incorporate the pesto properly: Stir in the pesto after the cream has warmed to preserve its fresh flavors.

Wilt spinach gradually: Add spinach in batches, letting each portion wilt before adding more.

Finish cooking the chicken gently: Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it to absorb the flavors.

Check your sauce consistency: The sauce should coat a spoon but still flow. Adjust by simmering longer or adding more stock as needed.

A bowl of chicken with tomatoes and spinach. pin it
A bowl of chicken with tomatoes and spinach. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The Perfect Pesto Selection

Store-bought pestos vary in quality. Look for refrigerated versions with fresh basil and real Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor.

Tomato Transformation

The tomatoes break down and release their juices, creating natural sweetness that enhances the dish. Don't rush this process.

Chicken Thickness Matters

Even thickness is crucial for even cooking. If needed, pound the chicken to ensure consistency.

Weeknight Time-Saving Options

Use pre-sliced chicken tenders, pre-minced garlic, and pre-washed baby spinach to speed up prep time.

Customizing Heat Levels

For spice-sensitive eaters, omit red pepper flakes and offer them as an optional topping.

Simple Sides That Shine

Pasta pairs beautifully, but crispy roasted potatoes or an arugula salad also complement the creamy sauce.

Entertaining With Ease

Prepare the chicken ahead, then finish the sauce when guests arrive for an effortless yet impressive meal.

A bowl of chicken with tomatoes and herbs. pin it
A bowl of chicken with tomatoes and herbs. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This creamy pesto chicken proves that a few high-quality ingredients can create something greater than the sum of their parts. The sweetness of the roasted tomatoes, the creaminess of the sauce, and the fresh burst of basil come together in a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. I return to this recipe time and again, knowing it will deliver the perfect balance of flavors every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Pesto Chicken?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may take slightly longer to cook (about 2-3 minutes more), but offer more flavor and remain juicy. Just make sure they're cut or pounded to an even thickness.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, light cream, or even full-fat coconut milk. For a tangier alternative, Greek yogurt works well when stirred in at the end of cooking (off the heat to prevent curdling).
→ What type of pesto works best in this recipe?
Traditional basil pesto works perfectly, whether homemade or store-bought. For variations, try sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper flavor or arugula pesto for a peppery twist. Just ensure whatever pesto you use has good flavor as it's central to the dish.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much, and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through.
→ What vegetables can I substitute or add to this Creamy Pesto Chicken?
This recipe is versatile for vegetables. Try adding mushrooms or zucchini when cooking the tomatoes, or substitute the spinach with kale or arugula (add kale earlier as it takes longer to wilt). Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts make excellent additions to the sauce as well.

Creamy Pesto Chicken

This Creamy Pesto Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with cherry tomatoes and spinach in a rich sauce of pesto and cream for a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 6 Servings (6 chicken servings with sauce)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
02 5-6 chicken breasts, thinly sliced (butterflied, sliced in half, or cut into tenders)
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 shallot, finely chopped
05 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
06 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped with stems removed
07 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
08 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 1/3 cup lightly salted chicken stock
10 Salt, to taste
11 Black pepper, to taste
12 Garlic powder, to taste
13 Onion powder, to taste
14 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preparing your chicken - if using full chicken breasts, butterfly them or slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces that will cook more quickly and evenly. Alternatively, you can cut them into tender-sized strips. Set the chicken aside on a plate. Next, prepare your aromatics and vegetables: mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the spinach, removing any tough stems. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process flow smoothly.

Step 02

Season both sides of your prepared chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don't be shy with the seasonings here - this creates the foundation of flavor for the dish. The chicken should have a light, even coating of the spices across all pieces.

Step 03

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd (you may need to work in batches). Sear the chicken for just 1-2 minutes per side until it develops a light golden-brown color. Remember, you don't need to fully cook the chicken at this stage - you'll finish it in the sauce later. Once seared, remove all the chicken from the pan and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 04

In the same pan (don't clean it - those browned bits are flavor!), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic, chopped shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the tomatoes begin to soften, brown slightly, and release some of their juices, creating a fragrant base for your sauce.

Step 05

To your tomato mixture, add the chopped spinach, pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Stir everything together until well combined and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. The spinach will begin to wilt into the sauce. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed with a little more salt or pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.

Step 06

Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer gently in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through. While the chicken finishes cooking, spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece, basting them to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer shows any pink in the center.

Step 07

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the chicken immediately, placing it over your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. Be sure to spoon plenty of the delicious creamy pesto sauce with its tomatoes and spinach over each portion. Garnish with a little more freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  1. This creamy pesto chicken is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests.
  2. The sauce can be customized based on what you have available - try adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for variation.
  3. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, possibly in pesto)
  • May contain nuts (if using traditional pesto with pine nuts)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 325
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 35 g