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–+ servings
Close-up of pan-seared chicken breast pieces coated in vibrant green pesto sauce.

One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken

This recipe makes creamy pesto chicken in one pan. It is a simple and quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the basil pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy pesto sauce over them. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  7. Serve the creamy pesto chicken immediately, with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

You can serve this with pasta, rice, or a side salad. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

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