Description
How to make creamy pesto chicken with tender chicken breast and a rich, flavorful pesto sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- Flavor Boosters:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 4–5 cups fresh spinach, packed
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Chicken & Aromatics: Start by cutting chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mince garlic, dice shallot, and chop sun-dried tomatoes. This prep ensures everything is ready for your delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Build Sauce: To the same skillet, add shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, then stir in heavy cream and basil pesto. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken & Wilt: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the creamy sauce. This creates a rich Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe.
- Finish & Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it extra luscious. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken. Ensure all flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve Warm: Garnish your ultimate creamy pesto chicken recipe with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with a fresh salad for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken; sear in batches for golden, tender pieces.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; check for freshness before reheating.
For best results, use heavy cream for a rich, luscious sauce; half-and-half is more prone to curdling.
Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with a fresh salad, garnished with basil and extra Parmesan.
Prep chicken and chop aromatics a day ahead to save time; cook sauce and chicken fresh.
Caramelize shallots and garlic deeply before deglazing to build incredible savory depth in your sauce.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Tree Nuts