Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe – Super luscious and creamy! This creamy pesto chicken comes together in about 30 minutes. Sear the chicken breasts in a skillet, make the creamy pesto sauce, and assemble with the roasted tomatoes – it’s a matter of 30 minutes from start to finish. Easy, and you’ll love the flavors! Serve these creamy pesto chicken breasts over your favorite pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles. This easy dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite![supabase_favorite_button]
Do you frequently buy chicken breasts at the grocery store and want more recipe ideas? Check this roundup full of healthy chicken breast recipes!
Ingredients list for the creamy pesto chicken breast recipe
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 10oz grape tomatoes
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + black pepper
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
Creamy pesto chicken recipe
This creamy pesto chicken recipe with roasted tomatoes is just the kind of weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a new favorite. Most of the ingredients in this chicken recipe are easy to find at your favorite grocery store or already in your pantry. Pan-seared chicken breasts are served over a rich and flavorful creamy pesto sauce with juicy roasted tomatoes. You’ll love the herby, garlicky goodness of this simple chicken dinner. Plus, creamy pesto chicken makes great leftovers the next day!
How to make the creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes
This creamy pesto chicken recipe is very easy: Toss grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in a hot oven for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, cook chicken breast in a large skillet over medium heat. Then cook onion and garlic, and combine with pesto and cream. Then, add chicken breast and tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer for a couple of minutes, then serve the creamy pesto chicken immediately!
Tip for the creamy pesto chicken recipe
Here are a few tips to make this creamy pesto chicken recipe even better:
- Make sure to bring chicken breasts to room temperature before cooking. 10 minutes on the counter while you prepare the other ingredients should be enough.
- If your chicken breasts are large and thick, slice them horizontally to make cutlets. They’ll cook quicker.
- Make your own basil pesto if you have extra time! Homemade pesto is easy and quick to make and can be easily stored in mason jars for future meals.
- Toasted pine nuts will add extra flavor and texture to this easy chicken recipe.
- We like to add a drizzle of hot sauce like Sriracha to the creamy pesto sauce for a kick of spice!
What to serve with pesto chicken?
Serve the pesto chicken over pasta, couscous, rice, or more roasted veggies for a low-carb version.
Can we make the pesto chicken with chicken thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts. You might want to use skinless, boneless chicken thighs.
How to keep the creamy chicken leftovers
If your family doesn’t lick the pan clean by the time dinner is over, this pesto chicken recipe reheats very well for lunch the next day! You can keep the pesto chicken leftovers for 3 days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Reheat on medium-low in a covered saucepan with a few drops of water to loosen the sauce.
How long to keep the creamy pesto chicken leftovers?
You can keep the creamy pesto chicken leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a few drops of water to loosen the cream sauce.
Directions
1. To make the pesto chicken: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Toss cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread the grape tomatoes in one layer. Roast the tomatoes for about 20 minutes until blistered while preparing the chicken.
2. Season the chicken breasts on all sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken breasts until browned on the edges and cooked through – about 5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook onion until slightly caramelized, adding a little oil if necessary. Add garlic to the onion and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add pesto and give it a quick stir to combine with the onion. Then, pour in the whipping cream and parmesan, stir gently, and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked chicken and roasted tomatoes to the skillet and reheat for a couple of minutes. Serve the creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes immediately. Enjoy! ❤️
More pesto chicken recipes
- Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
- Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs
- Chicken Pasta in Creamy Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Reviews (13)
Leave a reviewLeave a Reply
Yvonne F
2025-08-03 20:07:17
5 star recipe! From the flavor to the simplicity, this was a perfect meal. We paired it with the roasted veggies and have added both to our menu lineup!!
Helen A
2025-05-06 18:35:13
This was awesome, very tasty and very quick to make.
Judi
2024-03-24 15:49:32
Our new favorite! What a wonderful mix of flavors ..& so simple to make! I served it with brown rice, roasted asparagus & salad. My husband yummed his way through the entire meal. Thanks!
Cathy
2024-01-12 22:31:07
Such great flavor!!! I added the parm right after the cream and added a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end. Great recipe!!
Karen
2023-11-08 18:15:23
Delicious, a little salty so I would cut back on the amount of added salt you use. I roasted the tomatoes with little baby potatoes & sautéed mushrooms & added all at the end, very good
