There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish where creamy, tangy pesto meets tender chicken right in one pan. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe combines rich flavors and ease, making weeknight dinners feel effortlessly special.

A black frying pan holds a creamy pasta dish with two rows of sliced cooked chicken placed on top. The penne pasta is coated in a light yellow-green sauce with a smooth texture, dotted with small green herbs. The chicken slices are light beige with a slight golden brown on the edges, also sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a wooden board with two blocks of cheese and a small gold grater, and a small plant with green leaves sits in the corner. 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 dish is one of my go-tos when I want something flavorful without a ton of fuss. The magic really happens in one skillet, which saves time on cleanup and lets the vibrant flavors meld beautifully. Plus, it’s creamy and cozy—just the kind of dinner to feel like a warm hug after a busy day.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Creamy, Flavor-Packed Sauce: The pesto and cream make a luscious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Customizable: Easily adjust herbs, cheese, or sides to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

The image shows a black pan filled with light green creamy sauce that covers the bottom and rises slightly on the sides, inside the sauce there are three cooked chicken pieces with light golden brown tops. A silver spoon is held above the pan, pouring some sauce over the front chicken piece. The sauce looks smooth with tiny green herb bits. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in balancing texture and flavor. Simple pantry staples with fresh pesto and cream come together for that luxurious sauce that turns ordinary chicken into a centerpiece dish. A few shopping tips—grab good quality pesto and freshly grated Parmesan if you can, they really lift the flavors.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a small mound of all-purpose flour in a white ceramic bowl, a pinch of coarse salt crystals, a few whole black peppercorns, a small pile of garlic powder in a white bowl, a dollop of bright green basil pesto in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small heap of shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese on a white plate, and a few sprigs of fresh vibrant green basil leaves arranged symmetrically, 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

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Even thickness is key for cooking evenly; pounding helps achieve that.
All-purpose flour: Light coating creates a slight crust for texture and helps thicken the sauce.
Basil pesto: The heart of the flavor here—opt for fresh or homemade for best results.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps meld the pesto into a silky sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty depth.
Garlic powder: A quick flavor boost without chopping fresh garlic.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning to balance flavors and enhance taste.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and brightness at the end.

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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

One of the joys of the Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your favorites. I love stirring in sun-dried tomatoes or swapping fresh spinach for a little extra green. Don’t be afraid to add your personal twist!

Variation: I sometimes swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich—still delicious and great for warmer days.
Vegetarian alternative: Try using thick portobello mushroom caps instead of chicken to keep that flavor with a plant-based twist.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the pesto sauce gives it a warm, subtle heat that my family loves.

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

Step 1: Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

I start by laying a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and placing the chicken breasts on it, topping with another layer of plastic. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, I gently pound each breast to an even thickness. This little trick means the chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy—no raw centers or dry edges.

Step 2: Coat and Sear the Chicken

Next, I whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredging the chicken in this mixture creates a nice golden crust after searing. Then I heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, carefully adding the chicken. Cooking each side for about 5-8 minutes until golden and cooked through is key here—don’t rush this, it builds flavor!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Once the chicken is done, I transfer it to a plate and tent with foil to rest. In the same skillet, I add the basil pesto and cook it for a minute or two to release those herby aromas. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir until it warms and bubbles gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this sauce is so easy to tweak to your liking.

Step 4: Combine, Melt, and Garnish

I slide the chicken back into the skillet, letting it soak up that sauce along with any juices collected. Sprinkling shredded Parmesan over the top adds a cheesy, melty finish that brings it all together. Before serving, I like scattering some freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe countless times, I’ve found a few simple tips that really make a difference between good and fantastic.

Even Chicken Thickness: Make sure to pound the chicken evenly; uneven pieces cook at different rates, risking dryness or undercooking.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest after searing locks in juices so your meat stays moist once added back to the sauce.
Use Fresh Pesto When Possible: Fresh pesto has vibrant flavor and a brighter color, which really takes the sauce up a notch.
Low and Slow for Sauce: Heat your cream gently once added to the pesto; avoid boiling to keep it silky without curdling.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top because it cuts through the richness nicely and makes everything look inviting. A little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a lovely brightness, especially if you want a lighter touch.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving this creamy pesto chicken with angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil or roasted garlic veggies. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad are also fantastic options to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated this skillet dish on rustic wooden boards alongside crusty bread for dipping. Drizzling some extra pesto and sprinkling pine nuts over the top adds texture and flair that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce holds its creaminess surprisingly well, so reheated meals remain comforting and delicious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice when having guests over. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately if possible to maintain texture. When thawing, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, I place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little cream or water as needed to loosen the sauce. Covering the pan helps keep moisture in, resulting in a creamy, tender dish just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and are even more forgiving in cooking due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are thicker.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little butter, but the sauce may be less thick and rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works in a pinch with a slightly different flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The pesto cream sauce is best made fresh for maximum flavor and creaminess. However, you can prepare the pesto portion ahead and combine with cream just before serving to save time.

What sides pair best with this creamy pesto chicken?

Light sides like steamed vegetables, simple pasta tossed with olive oil, or a fresh green salad complement the rich sauce well. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is great for soaking up extra sauce too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place on my recipe roster—it’s simple, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time I make it. The creamy sauce and vibrant pesto make dinner feel a little more indulgent, even on the busiest nights. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find it becomes one of your kitchen staples too!