Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast

There’s something truly special about a perfectly cooked chicken breast. When it’s coated in a vibrant, creamy pesto sauce, that special feeling gets amplified. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast recipe delivers incredibly tender chicken. It’s bathed in a luscious, basil-infused sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. I especially love how the basil really sings.

This dish is a weeknight lifesaver. It comes together so quickly, making it ideal for those busy evenings. My family devours it every time. They always ask for seconds of the rich sauce. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast is a winner for so many reasons!

• Speedy Weeknights: It’s incredibly fast. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor Explosion: The pesto and cream create a heavenly sauce. It’s rich, savory, and utterly delicious.
• Impressive Yet Easy: It feels fancy enough for guests. Yet it’s so simple to make even for beginners.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted veggies. It truly goes with everything!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast Ingredients

The magic of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast starts with its stellar ingredient lineup. It’s a symphony of fresh flavors and creamy comfort. These simple components come together beautifully. They create a dish that’s both vibrant and incredibly satisfying. You’ll find exact measurements in the recipe card below. But let’s chat about why each piece is so important.

Here’s a peek at what makes this dish shine:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are our main stars. They cook quickly and absorb all the yummy sauce flavors.
• Olive Oil: A little goes a long way. It helps get a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The essential basics! They enhance all the other flavors.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the base of our creamy sauce. It adds depth and savory notes.
• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, velvety texture. It makes the sauce rich and decadent.
• Basil Pesto: The heart of the flavor! Fresh, herbaceous basil gets a boost from garlic and pine nuts.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: It melts in beautifully. It adds a salty, nutty complexity to the sauce.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to switch things up? No problem! If you don’t have basil pesto, a good quality store-bought option works wonderfully. You could even try a different herb blend pesto, like sun-dried tomato. For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but it won’t be quite as rich. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Sun-dried tomatoes are totally optional. They add a chewy chewiness and tartness when you want it. Using thighs instead of breasts? Adjust the cooking time. They can take a bit longer to cook through. Fresh basil leaves are the best garnish. They add a pop of color and freshness right before serving. It’s a simple yet delightful finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast

Making this Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast is quite straightforward. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first, pat your chicken dry. Use paper towels for this job. Then, season both sides well. Salt and pepper are your best friends here. Getting a good sear is key for flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Medium-high heat works best. Add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want that beautiful golden-brown color. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer should show 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan. Set it aside for a moment.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. These bits are packed with flavor! Let the broth simmer for a minute.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Now, stir in the heavy cream. Add the basil pesto next. Then, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce bubble gently. Stir often. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for the sauce to thicken slightly. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, add them now. Stir them into the sauce.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle them into the sauce. Spoon that luscious, creamy pesto sauce over the chicken. Let everything heat through for another minute or two. This helps the chicken absorb more sauce flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast is ready! Serve it right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like. This dish is truly fantastic. It pairs wonderfully with pasta. Rice is also a great option. Roasted vegetables make a perfect side too.

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How to Store Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast

Leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast stores beautifully. Let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer keeping, you can freeze it. Divide portions into freezer-safe bags. It should last for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for Success

• Never skip patting the chicken dry. It’s crucial for a good sear.
• Use good quality basil pesto. It’s the flavor star.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Stir the sauce constantly. This prevents sticking and ensures smoothness.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. A little extra salt might be needed.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking a breeze. You’ll need these essentials:

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and making the sauce. A non-stick or cast-iron pan works well.
• Tongs: To safely flip chicken.
• Paper towels: For drying chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast over your favorite pasta.
• It’s also delicious with steamed rice or quinoa.
• Pair it with a side of roasted asparagus or green beans.
• A crisp salad complements the rich sauce perfectly.
• Enjoy with a light white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the creamy pesto sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Make the sauce separately and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat it on the stove before adding the cooked chicken. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast will still be a breeze to assemble!

What if I don’t have fresh basil pesto? Can I use jarred pesto?

Definitely. Jarred basil pesto works wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good quality one. It will still give your Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast that signature herbaceous flavor. You might want to taste it and adjust seasonings.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are very forgiving and stay incredibly moist. You’ll just need to cook them a little longer than the breasts to ensure they are fully cooked through, aiming for that 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. The sauce will still be delicious!

How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten this Creamy Pesto Chicken Breast, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk. It will make the sauce less rich, but still tasty. You could also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly. Serving with lighter sides like steamed vegetables also helps.