There's something incredibly satisfying about digging into tender chicken smothered in a rich, velvety pesto cream sauce. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe captures all those cozy, comforting vibes but comes together so quickly that it easily earns a regular spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.

A black pan filled with creamy pasta and sliced chicken arranged on top in two curved rows, the cooked penne pasta coated evenly in a light green pesto cream sauce, the chicken slices pale with a golden-brown edge, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, a metal spoon resting on the right side of the pan; the pan is placed on a white marbled surface with fresh green basil leaves in a pot at the top left corner and a wooden board with two small pale cheese blocks and a gold grater at the top right corner, the scene bright and clean with natural lighting photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is pure magic when it comes to fuss-free weeknight cooking. From the first time I whipped it up, I was hooked not just on its flavor but on how straightforward it is—you don’t need a dozen pots or hours of prep. Plus, it’s fancy enough to serve when friends pop over unexpectedly!

Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Luscious Creamy Sauce: The combination of basil pesto and heavy cream creates an indulgent, silky sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak for different tastes and dietary preferences.

The image shows a close-up of two cooked chicken pieces in a black pan, partially covered in a thick, creamy green sauce with herbs sprinkled on top. One chicken piece is whole and golden brown on the outside, while the other is sliced into several pieces on the right side of the pan. A silver spoon holds some of the sauce above the whole chicken piece, dropping it onto the meat. The sauce fills the bottom of the pan with a smooth, rich texture. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a star role in balancing flavor and texture. I always make a point to use fresh pesto when I can—homemade or store-bought—because it really shines in the creamy sauce. Here’s why the main ingredients come together so well:

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a few grains of black pepper and salt scattered artfully, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl shimmering with bright green basil pesto, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl with finely shredded parmesan cheese, and a small pile of freshly chopped bright green basil leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: Pounded to even thickness so they cook uniformly, preventing those dry edges.
All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coating the chicken helps develop a golden crust that adds great texture and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Basil Pesto: Brings a fresh herbaceous punch, blending aromatic basil, garlic, and parmesan.
Heavy Cream: Provides the luxurious, silky base for the sauce that melds beautifully with pesto.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, boosting umami and adding richness.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): Simple yet essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the creaminess.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that lifts the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe pretty classic — it’s a tried-and-true comfort food in my house. But don’t hesitate to switch things up! This is your kitchen playground, after all.

Variation: I once stirred in some sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of baby spinach near the end for a colorful twist that added a bit of zing and extra veggies.
Dairy-Free Modification: Coconut cream swaps nicely for heavy cream if you need to avoid dairy — just keep an eye on the sauce thickness as you cook.
Adding Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce transforms this into a slightly spicy dinner that warms you up on chilly nights.
Different Proteins: This recipe works great with turkey cutlets or even thick fish fillets like salmon for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Flattening the Chicken Evenly

I start by laying out the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, I gently pound them to an even thickness—this little step makes all the difference for juicy, evenly cooked chicken. It only takes a minute but really pays off.

Step 2: Flour Coating for a Golden Crust

Next, I whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Dipping each piece of chicken so it’s fully coated helps create that crave-worthy crust when it hits the skillet. Don’t shake off too much flour — a good coating ensures flavor and texture!

Step 3: Cooking Chicken to Perfection

I warm a big drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, the chicken goes in, cooking about 5 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety, but watch it so it doesn’t dry out. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Making That Creamy Pesto Sauce

With the chicken resting, I use the same skillet to keep all those juices in play. I add the pesto first, cooking it just a minute or two to get that fresh aroma out. Then in goes the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is warm and bubbling gently. I season it with salt and pepper to taste—the cream balances the pesto's punch perfectly.

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Finally, I nestle the chicken back into the skillet with any juices from the plate, then sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. A minute or two more on the heat melts the cheese into that luscious sauce. A scattering of fresh basil or parsley on top brightens the dish just before serving.

Top Tip

From my experience, the success of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe lies in timing and layering flavors. Here are a few hacks I've learned that keep this dish tasting fresh and restaurant-quality every time.

Even Chicken Thickness: I can’t stress enough how pounding the chicken evenly avoids dry spots and ensures quick, uniform cooking.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest briefly after cooking keeps it juicy—cover loosely with foil to avoid steam sogginess.
Use Quality Pesto: A fresh, flavorful pesto makes all the difference since it’s the star sauce ingredient.
Watch Your Heat: Too high, and the cream sauce can scorch; medium heat lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top before serving because it adds a pop of color and bright herbal freshness. Sometimes I swap in parsley for a milder finish. A little extra parmesan on the side is great too for folks who want more cheesiness.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. I especially love serving it alongside creamy risotto or even a bed of fluffy couscous to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve plated the chicken on individual shallow bowls with a smear of extra pesto around the rim and a few edible flowers for a pop of unexpected elegance. You could also serve this over polenta or mashed cauliflower for a festive low-carb twist that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days—just be sure to keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain that creamy goodness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice, and it does well if you wrap it tightly in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best texture after thawing, I recommend freezing before adding the fresh herbs garnish or parmesan cheese on top.

Reheating

When reheating, I use low heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to gently loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid curdling the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great. They’re juicier and a bit more forgiving if you slightly overcook them, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Just ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce seems watery or too runny, simmer it gently for a few extra minutes, stirring often to reduce it. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to help thicken quickly without altering flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to coat the chicken. It won’t change the taste much, and you’ll still get that beautiful golden crust.

What sides go best with Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe?

This chicken is wonderfully versatile! It pairs well with roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, a simple pasta tossed with olive oil, or even a light grain like quinoa. I personally love a crisp green salad alongside for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become a comfort staple for me. It’s one of those dishes where the ease of preparation meets show-stopping flavor — the kind that makes you want to set an extra place at the table. I hope you enjoy it just as much, whether it becomes your go-to weeknight dinner or your secret weapon for impromptu guests. Happy cooking, friend!