Creamy Pesto Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than this creamy pesto chicken recipe! It’s packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, rich pesto, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. This dish is also incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of roasted vegetables. You can also customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The pesto, cream, and garlic create an explosion of flavor.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with your favorite sides and customize the recipe to your liking.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Everyone will love this creamy and delicious chicken dish.
* **Simple Ingredients:** Uses common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best option for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs, but they will require a slightly longer cooking time.
* **Pesto:** Store-bought or homemade pesto will work. Homemade pesto is always best for a more fresh and vibrant flavor.
* **Heavy Cream:** Heavy cream is essential for creating the rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less thick.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. Mince it finely for best results.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce. (Optional, but highly recommended)
* **Optional additions:** Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, red pepper flakes.

## Equipment

* Large Skillet or Pan
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Spoons and Cups

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect creamy pesto chicken:

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely in the pan.
* Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

### Step 2: Sear the Chicken

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

### Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

* Reduce the heat to medium.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
* Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

### Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

* Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the creamy pesto sauce.
* Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
* Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

* Serve the creamy pesto chicken hot, over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
* **Use High-Quality Pesto:** The quality of the pesto will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Homemade pesto is always best, but if you’re using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all great additions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Types of Chicken:** While chicken breast is the most common choice, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the creamy pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce and add the cooked chicken.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Using fresh basil, parsley or oregano will elevate the flavour.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the whole dish.

## Variations and Additions

* **Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken:** Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of regular pesto for a different flavor profile.
* **Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Chicken:** Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the sauce for a healthier and more flavorful dish.
* **Mushroom Pesto Chicken:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream for a rich and earthy flavor.
* **Spicy Pesto Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta:** Toss the creamy pesto chicken with your favorite pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the creamy pesto chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and potatoes.
* **Creamy Pesto Chicken Pizza:** Spread the creamy pesto sauce over pizza dough, top with cooked chicken, and bake for a delicious and unique pizza.

## Serving Suggestions

This creamy pesto chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides, including:

* **Pasta:** Toss it with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Rice:** Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and potatoes.
* **Salad:** Enjoy it with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover creamy pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

## Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

### Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the creamy pesto sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
7. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve hot, over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy this delightful creamy pesto chicken! It’s a guaranteed winner for any occasion, and you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences. Happy cooking!