Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight

Featured in: Center of the plate recipes

This creamy pesto chicken dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich sauce made with basil pesto, heavy cream, and garlic. Juicy grape tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color, creating a harmonious balance of creamy and tangy. A great choice for impressing guests or treating yourself to a comforting yet elegant meal. Pair it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete dinner experience.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:52:52 GMT
A plate of food with mushrooms and potatoes. Pin it
A plate of food with mushrooms and potatoes. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This creamy pesto chicken has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something impressive yet effortless. The combination of tender chicken breast coated in a luscious pesto cream sauce with burst tomatoes creates a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.

I first created this dish when unexpected dinner guests arrived and I needed something that looked fancy but wouldn't keep me trapped in the kitchen. The empty plates and requests for seconds told me this was a keeper that deserved a permanent spot in my rotation.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide the perfect protein canvas for this flavorful sauce
  • Salt and pepper: enhance the natural flavors of the chicken without overwhelming
  • Olive oil: creates a beautiful sear on the chicken and forms the base for the sauce
  • Fresh garlic: adds aromatic depth that dried varieties simply cannot match
  • Grape tomatoes: burst in the heat creating sweet pockets of flavor throughout
  • Heavy cream: provides the luxurious richness that makes this dish special
  • Pesto: delivers complex herbal notes and saves you from chopping multiple ingredients
Prepare the chicken:
Fillet each chicken breast into two thinner pieces by placing your hand on top and carefully slicing horizontally through the middle. This creates four portions while ensuring even cooking. Season each piece lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Thin pieces cook more quickly and absorb more flavor from the sauce.
Create the perfect sear:
Heat your large skillet over medium heat until you can feel warmth radiating when holding your hand above it. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat completely. Place seasoned chicken pieces in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on one side before flipping about 3-4 minutes per side. When internal temperature reaches 165°F they're done. Remove to a clean plate.
Build the flavor foundation:
Reduce heat to medium-low to prevent burning the delicate ingredients to follow. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet capitalizing on those flavorful browned bits from the chicken. Add minced garlic and halved tomatoes. Gently sauté for about five minutes watching as the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices. This creates a sweet acidic base for your sauce.
Create the silky sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream while the pan is still warm but not hot enough to cause curdling. Add your chosen pesto and stir to fully incorporate. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer noticing how it thickens slightly and turns a beautiful light green. Taste the sauce now and adjust seasoning remembering that pesto already contains salt.
Reunite chicken with sauce:
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece ensuring complete coverage. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes allowing the chicken to absorb some sauce while reheating. The flavors meld together creating a cohesive finished dish.
A plate of food with chicken, potatoes, and mushrooms. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken, potatoes, and mushrooms. | myhomemaderecipe.com

I discovered the magic of this recipe one evening when my basil plants had grown out of control and I had made fresh pesto. The vibrant green sauce against the golden chicken and bright red tomatoes created such a beautiful plate that I now make it whenever I want to impress without stress.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pesto chicken pairs beautifully with starchy sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. My family particularly enjoys it over angel hair pasta which twirls easily through the cream sauce. For a lighter option roasted asparagus or a simple green salad provides a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the dish. If you're serving company a crusty French bread for sauce-mopping is absolutely essential.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken significantly when chilled but returns to perfect consistency when gently reheated. For best results warm leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch but may cause the chicken to become slightly tougher.

A plate of food with mushrooms and potatoes. Pin it
A plate of food with mushrooms and potatoes. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this pesto chicken lies in its adaptability. While basil pesto is traditional you might experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer red sauce or arugula pesto for a peppery kick. For extra vegetables consider adding sautéed mushrooms spinach or diced red bell peppers to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version substitute half the cream with chicken broth for a still-silky but less rich result. During summer months fresh corn kernels make a sweet addition to the tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of pesto?

Yes! While basil pesto is traditional, you can also use red pesto or other varieties for a unique flavor twist.

→ What can I serve with creamy pesto chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables or a simple salad also complement it beautifully.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work well in this recipe, as they remain tender and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free pesto to suit your dietary needs.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Dish

Creamy pesto chicken with juicy tomatoes in a savory sauce. Easy and delicious meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb total)
02 1/8 tsp salt
03 1/8 tsp pepper
04 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
07 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 1/4 cup pesto

Instructions

Step 01

Fillet the chicken breasts into two thinner pieces or pound to an even thickness, then cut each breast in half to create four portions. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat the surface. Cook the chicken on each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes total. Remove the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 03

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and halved grape tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for about five minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and lose their shape.

Step 04

Add heavy cream and pesto to the skillet with the softened tomatoes. Stir to combine. Allow the sauce to come up to a simmer and taste for salt or pepper, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 05

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. You can use any type of pesto for variation, such as a red pesto or more affordable brands like Alessi, Barilla, Classico, or Filippo Berio.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream and pesto)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

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