Rich, herby, and luxuriously creamy — this Creamy Pesto Chicken turns simple chicken breast into a restaurant-worthy dinner in about 25 minutes. Tender slices of chicken are seared until golden, then simmered in a velvety sauce made from basil pesto, cream, and parmesan. The garlic and black pepper keep everything balanced so the dish feels indulgent without being heavy.
It is the kind of meal that works for a cozy date night and a busy weeknight alike. Spoon it over pasta, tuck it into a toasted roll, or serve it over cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option — and enjoy a plate loaded with lean protein.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken. Pat the sliced chicken breast dry and season evenly with salt and black pepper. Drying the surface helps the chicken sear rather than steam, giving you golden edges and better flavor.
- Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Soften the garlic. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan, scraping up the browned bits. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it burn, or it will taste bitter.
- Build the sauce. Stir in the pesto and cook for 1 minute, then pour in the cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan a handful at a time until melted and silky. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.
- Combine and finish. Return the chicken and any resting juices to the pan. Toss gently to coat every piece in the creamy pesto sauce and simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Creamy, comforting, and packed with protein — this Pesto Chicken is proof that weeknight dinners can feel like a treat. Leftovers reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream and make a fantastic next-day lunch.
