Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy pesto chicken delight is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and herby goodness. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious pesto cream sauce that’s both rich and fresh, with notes of garlic, basil, and parmesan. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. What I love about this recipe is how effortlessly elegant it feels—you get restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. I tried serving it over pasta one night and with roasted vegetables the next, and it was equally delicious both ways. The creamy pesto sauce pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken, creating a comforting yet vibrant dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight – A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy basil pesto sauce. Perfectly paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Homemade pesto gives a fresher flavor but store-bought works great too.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and extra nutrients.
- This dish pairs beautifully with linguine, penne, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs
Boneless and skinless, these cook quickly and stay tender in the creamy sauce.
Pesto sauce
Use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for that rich basil flavor.
Heavy cream
Creates a velvety base for the sauce, balancing the pesto’s boldness.
Parmesan cheese
Adds saltiness and umami, enhancing the creaminess of the sauce.
Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and build flavor.
Garlic
Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
Salt and black pepper
Essential seasonings to highlight all the flavors.
Cherry tomatoes (optional)
Add brightness and a burst of sweetness to the creamy sauce.
Fresh basil (optional)
For garnish and a hint of freshness.
Directions
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in pesto and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and creamy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes, over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and cooking takes 20 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Pesto pasta version
Toss cooked pasta directly in the sauce for a full meal.
Sun-dried tomato twist
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.
Low-carb option
Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cheesy upgrade
Top with mozzarella and broil for a few minutes for a bubbly finish.
Vegan adaptation
Use plant-based cream and vegan pesto for a dairy-free version.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, a good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.
What pairs best with pesto chicken?
Pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes complement it well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add extra flavor and stay tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine before serving.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus work beautifully.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your pesto and parmesan are gluten-free.
Can I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
How do I get the sauce extra creamy?
Simmer the sauce gently and stir in more parmesan for thickness.
Conclusion
Creamy pesto chicken delight is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that brings the best of Italian-inspired cooking to your table. With juicy chicken, rich parmesan, and aromatic pesto, it’s the perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a weeknight favorite you’ll make again and again.
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