🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Creamy Pesto Chicken

A simple and delicious one pan dinner featuring tender chicken smothered in a rich, velvety basil pesto sauce.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 17, 2026
Creamy Pesto Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
2

Creamy Pesto Chicken is one of my favorite weeknight meals because it feels like something special but comes together so quickly in just one pan. Everyone loves how the pesto makes the cream sauce taste bright and savory, while the chicken stays juicy and tender.

My best tip for this recipe is to use a good quality store bought pesto or your own homemade version if you have extra basil in the garden. Just be sure to stir the cream in slowly at the end to keep the sauce silky and smooth.

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the chicken strips with a little salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Lower the heat and pour in the pesto and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.

  6. 6

    Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.

  7. 7

    Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately topped with fresh basil leaves.

💡 Tips

This dish tastes wonderful served over your favorite pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables to soak up the extra sauce. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

#chicken#dinner#pasta side#easy dinner#one pan

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