If you’re craving a dish that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian trattoria but takes under 30 minutes to whip up, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Pesto Chicken recipe. It combines tender strips of seasoned chicken with a luscious sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, and a dreamy blend of pesto and cream. Every bite bursts with vibrant flavors and rich textures, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss. Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Pesto Chicken—comfort food elevated to a whole new level!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses simple, vibrant ingredients that come together beautifully to create a sauce that’s both creamy and herbaceous. Each component adds its own layer of flavor, ensuring that every forkful of Creamy Pesto Chicken tastes rich, satisfying, and fresh.

Olive oil (2 tbsp divided): Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection and sautéing the veggies.
Chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (1 lb), cut into strips: Tender and juicy, they soak up all the creamy pesto goodness.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds that classic herb blend to intensify the flavors.
Paprika (1 tsp): Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives a mellow garlic background without overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Perfectly balances and enhances all flavors.
White onion (½ large, finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Provides fresh, aromatic punch.
Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, drained and chopped): Intensely flavorful and slightly tangy, they lift the dish beautifully.
Bell peppers (2, thinly sliced): Bring sweetness and lovely color contrast.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates the irresistible creamy texture that coats everything.
Chicken broth, low-sodium (½ cup): Adds moisture and depth without overpowering.
Pesto (3 tbsp): The star ingredient that infuses the dish with fresh basil, pine nuts, and parmesan flavor.
Fresh basil (for garnish): Brightens the presentation and adds a burst of herbal freshness.
Grated Parmesan (for garnish): Adds a cheesy, salty finish that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for a perfect sear. Meanwhile, toss your chicken strips with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful rub ensures every bite is bursting with savory goodness. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken strips and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until they’re cooked through and beautifully golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside to rest—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce soon!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent and sweet. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking together for another couple of minutes so their flavors meld perfectly. Finally, stir in those thin bell pepper strips and continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but still vibrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce

While the vegetables soften, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and pesto in a small bowl. This creamy green sauce is the heart of the dish, providing richness and herby brightness. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring gently as you bring it to a simmer over medium heat. It should take about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pesto sauce and veggies. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and soak up that luscious sauce. Give everything a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference—this step really lets you customize the flavor exactly how you like it.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Pesto Chicken even more, sprinkle freshly chopped basil right before serving—it adds a fragrant, fresh note that’s like a breath of spring. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds an indulgently salty and nutty crunch that completes the dish both in taste and appearance.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple, classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic buttered pasta soak up every drop of that pesto cream sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad balance the richness with freshness. Rice pilaf also works wonderfully to round out the meal and soak up the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, consider plating this dish on a bed of creamy polenta or roasted cauliflower mash for a trendy twist. For a vibrant dinner party touch, serve it family-style in a rustic skillet with crusty bread on the side for dipping. No matter how you present it, the Creamy Pesto Chicken looks as stunning as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors even after a busy day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Creamy Pesto Chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream helps revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating preserves the flavors best.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great and saves time. Just pick a good quality brand for the best flavor in your Creamy Pesto Chicken.

Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, this Creamy Pesto Chicken is naturally low in carbs, especially if you serve it with non-starchy vegetables instead of pasta or potatoes.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a coconut cream alternative, but keep in mind the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

How spicy is this dish?

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is mild and creamy with no heat, making it great for all palates. If you like spice, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking is a nice way to kick it up a notch.

Final Thoughts

Giving this Creamy Pesto Chicken a try means treating yourself to a dish that feels indulgent yet is unbelievably simple to make. The balance of creamy sauce, fresh pesto, and tender chicken is truly irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring home this little slice of comfort. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for busy nights or whenever you want to impress without the stress!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy pesto sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines rich, savory flavors with fresh ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into strips
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

1/2 large white onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 bell peppers, cut into thin strips

Sauce

½ cup heavy cream
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tbsp pesto

For Garnish

Fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Prepare the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to heat.
Season the chicken: In a bowl, season chicken strips with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to ensure even coating.
Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 2 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
Cook bell peppers: Add the thin strips of bell peppers and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and tender.
Prepare sauce mixture: In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, and pesto. Mix thoroughly for a creamy texture.
Simmer the sauce: Pour the cream mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken to desired consistency.
Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken breasts are cut into uniform strips for even cooking.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a depth of flavor; make sure they are well-drained before using.
The dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.