Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is a luscious dish that combines the savory richness of garlic and pesto with tender, juicy chicken in a creamy sauce that will leave you wanting more. This flavorful meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
The creamy garlic pesto sauce coats the chicken beautifully, adding a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
This dish has everything you could ask for in a meal: it’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and truly comforting. If you’re a fan of rich sauces and tender chicken, here’s why you should give it a try:
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, pesto, and cream makes for a rich and zesty sauce that enhances the chicken.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- One-pan wonder: This recipe comes together in just one skillet, minimizing clean-up.
- Versatile: It pairs well with so many sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy garlic pesto chicken, gather these ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe.
- Pesto Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, pesto brings a fragrant, herby flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with the cream.
- Heavy Cream: For creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives the sauce a rich, cheesy finish.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste.
- Chicken Broth: To help build the sauce and keep it flavorful.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
Creating this delicious meal is easier than you think! Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add pesto sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to thicken, then stir in parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and finish cooking.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic pesto chicken with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the rich, flavorful meal!
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your creamy garlic pesto chicken turns out perfect every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry. The sauce helps keep it juicy.
- Use Fresh Pesto: If you have the time, making your own pesto will really elevate the flavor of the dish.
- Customize the Sauce: If you like a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth. If you prefer a thicker, richer sauce, let it cook a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Veggies: You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and color.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Pasta Option: Toss the creamy garlic pesto chicken with cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
- Swap the Protein: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even salmon for a different twist.
- Add Heat: Spice it up by adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use tofu or seitan instead of chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spoon
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add pesto sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- Serve with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use homemade pesto.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook a bit longer.
Nutrition
Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.