If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that dazzles with both elegance and simplicity, Creamy Pesto Chicken is absolutely it. This irresistibly lush dish pairs juicy seared chicken with a velvety pesto cream sauce, brimming with vibrant cherry tomatoes and tender spinach. Every forkful bursts with freshness and comfort, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels right at home on both busy nights and special occasions. Let’s dive in and make Creamy Pesto Chicken the star of your table.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how a handful of vibrant, everyday ingredients come together for something truly special. Each one lends its magic to the Creamy Pesto Chicken, from rich olive oil to zesty pesto and luscious cream—here’s how it all comes together.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth and helps everything sizzle beautifully; you’ll use it in stages for perfect texture.
Chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Cutting them thin ensures fast, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for fragrant, savory flavor throughout the sauce.
Shallot, finely chopped: Lends delicate sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy burst balances the creamy sauce with a pop of acidity and color.
Spinach, roughly chopped: Wilts into the sauce, adding earthy green goodness and extra nutrients.
Pesto (homemade or store-bought): The soul of the dish—choose your favorite for unbeatable herby punch.
Heavy cream: This transforms everything into a rich, silky, luxurious sauce.
Lightly salted chicken stock: Enhances savory notes and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
Salt, to taste: Season in layers to draw out every bit of flavor.
Black pepper, to taste: A finishing kick that sharpens and balances the creaminess.
Garlic powder, to taste: Rounds out the chicken’s seasoning for deeper flavor.
Onion powder, to taste: Subtly boosts the savoriness without fuss.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little spark of heat that surprises in the best way.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying your chicken breasts, or slicing them into thinner fillets or tenders. This small step makes a huge difference, ensuring every bite is tender and cooks in a flash. Having your chicken prepped ahead of time makes this dish so much less intimidating on a busy night.

Step 2: Season Generously

It’s time to build a flavorful foundation. Season each piece of chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder—be sure to do both sides! This helps each bite of Creamy Pesto Chicken taste beautifully seasoned, not just the sauce.

Step 3: Sear for Flavor

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high. Now, sear the seasoned chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they’re golden and tempting. Don’t worry about cooking them through; you want those caramelized edges first. Set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes

Using the same pan (don’t lose any of those flavorful bits left behind!), add your remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped garlic, shallot, cherry tomatoes, and—if you want a little zip—sprinkle over the red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and everything smells amazing.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Nestle in the chopped spinach so it wilts and softens. Stir in your pesto, heavy cream, and chicken stock, and let this vibrant mixture come to a gentle simmer. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll have a luscious emerald sauce that’s thick, glossy, and utterly inviting.

Step 6: Simmer Chicken to Perfection

Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling them into all that creamy, herby goodness. Simmer everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is fully cooked and has soaked up the bold flavors of the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Creamy Pesto Chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, take it off the heat. Spoon generously over your favorite pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles. For a finishing touch, shower with cracked black pepper or freshly grated Parmesan—trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken

Garnishes

For an effortless upgrade, scatter some chopped fresh basil, a dusting of Parmesan, and a swirl of extra pesto right before serving. A grind of black pepper and a few whole cherry tomatoes on the plate make each serving look restaurant-worthy. A drizzle of good olive oil adds a little extra gloss and richness.

Side Dishes

Creamy Pesto Chicken is incredibly adaptable as a main, so it plays well with just about any side you love. Pair it with a tangle of buttery pasta, fluffy rice, or crisp zucchini noodles for a lighter take. It also goes perfectly alongside roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance all that creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t feel limited to the usual plates! Spoon the chicken and sauce onto toasted bread slices for an open-faced sandwich, or tuck it into wraps for a vibrant lunch. Creamy Pesto Chicken also shines as a filling for baked potatoes or topped atop a simple grain bowl—let your imagination (and fridge leftovers) do the talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Thanks to the creamy sauce, the chicken stays moist and delicious for up to three days—making it a stellar option for meal prep or lunches.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken if needed. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep nicely for up to two months; just note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring the sauce back to its silky self. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just use 50 percent power and stir often to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute and bring even more juiciness to this dish. Just remember, they may need a little extra cooking time to be fully done, but otherwise, follow the recipe as written for fantastic results.

What kind of pesto is best for Creamy Pesto Chicken?

Classic basil pesto is a timeless favorite, but don’t be afraid to experiment with sun-dried tomato or even arugula pesto for an exciting twist. Homemade or high-quality store-bought both work—go with what you love!

Is there a lighter version of the cream sauce?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free option, try canned coconut milk or a good unsweetened oat or cashew cream.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Sure! Substitute the chicken with thick slices of grilled tofu, roasted cauliflower, or even sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, and you’ll still get all the Creamy Pesto Chicken vibes without the meat.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?

The trick is gentle heat—don’t boil the sauce, just let it simmer. Also, adding the cream after lowering the heat helps keep everything smooth and dreamy. If you’re reheating leftovers, do so slowly and stir often.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Pesto Chicken is the weeknight indulgence your kitchen needs. With its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and bursts of fresh flavor, it’s sure to charm everyone at your table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it instantly becomes a go-to favorite!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 5–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Pesto Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly or slice the chicken into thinner pieces; set aside.
Season the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan, sear the chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic, shallot, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes for 5 minutes.
Add Spinach and Sauce Ingredients: Add spinach, pesto, cream, and chicken stock to the pan; simmer for 2 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, simmer until cooked through.
Serve: Remove from heat, serve over pasta or other choice, garnish as desired.

Notes

You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering for a longer period to reduce it.
Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian