Looking for a quick, satisfying, and restaurant-quality chicken dish that’s packed with flavor? This Creamy Pesto Chicken is exactly what you need. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a luxurious basil pesto cream sauce, this one-pan meal delivers bold Italian flavors in under 30 minutes .
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests at dinner, this dish combines fresh herbs, garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream into a silky sauce that clings to every bite of perfectly cooked chicken.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this rich and creamy pesto chicken , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken
This isn’t just another chicken recipe—it’s a flavor-packed, comforting dish made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🍗 Juicy, tender chicken : Cooked to perfection without drying out.
- 🧀 Rich pesto cream sauce : Made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- 🥄 Quick and easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- 🥦 Healthy & satisfying : High in protein, good fats, and low in carbs.
- 🧁 Great for meal prep : Keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
- 🥘 Versatile base : Works over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just love creamy comfort food, this creamy pesto chicken will become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side , until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
Step 2: Make the Pesto Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until fully combined and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach for added texture and color.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over the top.
Simmer everything together for 5–7 minutes , allowing the chicken to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
Tip: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Pair with your favorite side and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~32 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~16 g |
| Cholesterol | ~100 mg |
| Sodium | ~600 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1 g |
| Net Carbs | ~4 g |
| Protein | ~35 g |
Note: Values may vary based on brand of pesto and exact measurements.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Use quality pesto – Homemade or high-quality store-bought makes a huge difference.
- Don’t boil the sauce – Heavy cream can separate if boiled; keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Add veggies for more nutrition – Try spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini under the pesto layer.
- Make it spicier – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.
- Double the recipe – Perfect for meal prep or freezing leftovers.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Use full-fat dairy and ensure pesto is sugar-free.
Chicken Thighs Option
Swap breasts for thighs for a juicier result.
Vegetarian Pesto Bake
Replace chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms.
Alfredo Twist
Mix pesto with alfredo sauce for a creamy green twist.
Crispy Top Version
Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 5–7 minutes and cover with foil to prevent burning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Wrap individual portions tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
What can I serve with this chicken bake?
Great served with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Cauliflower rice
- Green salad
Is this dairy-free?
Not by default, but you can use dairy-free cheese and vegan pesto if preferred.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Creamy Pesto Chicken works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The chicken stays juicy thanks to a quick sear and creamy sauce.
- The pesto adds brightness and herbal richness.
- The cheese melts beautifully , creating a gooey, golden finish.
- And the sauce clings to every bite for maximum flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that makes eating at home feel like dining out—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your creamy pesto chicken beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
Over Pasta or Noodles
Classic comfort food—serve with spaghetti, linguine, or zucchini noodles.
In a Wrap or Sandwich
Pile onto warm flatbread with arugula and roasted red peppers.
As Meal Prep
Divide into containers with sides like mashed cauliflower or roasted broccoli for easy lunches.
With Garlic Bread
Sop up every last drop of sauce with warm, buttery garlic bread.
On a Grain Bowl
Top over quinoa, farro, or a bed of greens for a lighter option.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of some of the core ingredients:
Chicken Breast
High in lean protein, supports muscle growth and satiety.
Pesto (Basil, Olive Oil, Garlic)
Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and heart-healthy fats.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan
Good sources of calcium and fat-soluble vitamins; support brain function and bone health.
Even though this dish feels indulgent, it’s also nutrient-dense and satisfying—perfect for fueling your body while keeping your taste buds happy.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish
This Creamy Pesto Chicken proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its silky pesto sauce, juicy chicken base, and rich Parmesan finish, it’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating clean.
Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just someone who loves rich, flavorful meals, this chicken deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with friends, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something truly special.
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken – Rich, Flavorful & Ready in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 1 hr
Description
A delightful blend of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness awaits!
Ingredients
4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
⅓ cup pesto
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375℉.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and pesto. You can microwave the mixture in 10-second intervals if the cream cheese needs to be softened a bit.
Prepare your baking dish with non-stick spray.
Place chicken breasts in baking dish.
Cover each piece of chicken evenly with the cream cheese pesto mixture.
Add shredded mozzarella evenly over each piece of chicken.
Cover the dish with foil.
Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until your chicken is fully cooked (some chicken breast pieces are larger than others, so bake accordingly).
Uncover and broil for 2 minutes to achieve the golden color on top.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 575
- Fat: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 41g