There’s something truly irresistible about the rich, silky sauce hugging tender chicken in this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of comforting creaminess and bright basil pesto flavor that keeps me coming back for more—plus, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights.

The image shows a black skillet filled with a creamy pasta dish. The base layer is penne pasta coated in a light greenish-yellow sauce with a smooth, thick texture. On top, there are two curved rows of sliced, cooked chicken arranged neatly; the chicken is pale with golden brown edges and is sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface, with a wooden board holding a small metal grater and cheese chunks in the top right corner. Green basil leaves hang in the top left corner, and a blue and white cloth is visible at the bottom left corner, with a silver spoon resting inside the skillet. 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

When I first made this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it transformed simple ingredients into a dinner that felt gourmet yet totally doable. It’s become my go-to whenever I want that wow factor without a big time investment.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The heavy cream and pesto create a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: With just a handful of pantry staples plus fresh pesto and Parmesan, it’s simple yet impressive.
Customizable: You can easily add veggies or swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

In a black pan, there are three pieces of cooked chicken with a light brown top, surrounded by a smooth light green creamy sauce sprinkled with small green herbs. A silver spoon is held above one piece of chicken, dripping the creamy sauce onto it. The background shows a blurred small white bowl with chopped green herbs and the pan sits on a white marbled surface. The dish looks creamy and fresh with mild color contrast photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe works because each ingredient plays a special role in balancing comfort and freshness. The chicken provides a hearty base, coated lightly in seasoned flour for a nice crust, while the pesto and cream join forces for that signature sauce. When shopping, freshly made basil pesto elevates the dish more than store-bought, but either works well!

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a pinch of coarse salt crystals arranged neatly, cracked black peppercorns scattered in a tiny white bowl, a small heap of pale garlic powder on a white plate, a dollop of vibrant green basil pesto in a small white bowl, a pool of thick heavy cream in another small white bowl, shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese mounded softly on a white plate, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves artfully chopped and lightly sprinkled, all placed with perfect symmetry 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: Pounding them ensures even cooking and tender texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light crust on the chicken, helping it brown beautifully in the skillet.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce just right.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the flavor.
Basil Pesto: The star flavor—fresh, herby, and vibrant adds brightness to creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety sauce that makes the dish feel indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and a wonderful melty texture on top.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): For beautiful color and fresh herbal notes as garnish.

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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 reasons I keep coming back to this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is because it’s so versatile. You can easily tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand, making it feel fresh every time.

Variation: I love adding sun-dried tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy pesto.
Dietary Modification: If you want it lighter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use a reduced-fat cheese.
Make It Vegan: Try substituting chicken with cauliflower steaks and use vegan cream alternatives along with dairy-free pesto.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the pesto for a hint of heat.

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

Step 1: Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

I start by layering the chicken breasts between pieces of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Don't rush this part—taking a minute to get the thickness uniform really pays off in the final texture.

Step 2: Coat with Seasoned Flour

Next, I whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Dredging the chicken in this mixture adds a delicate crust when seared, giving a lovely golden appearance and texture. Make sure each piece is coated but not overloaded with flour.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heating a good drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, I cook the chicken about 5-8 minutes per side. The goal is a golden-brown crust and fully cooked chicken through to the center. It's key not to overcrowd the pan—if your skillet is smaller, cook in batches. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In the same skillet, I add the basil pesto and let it sizzle for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—this step really wakes up the flavors. Then comes the heavy cream, which loosens the pesto into a smooth sauce. I stir it gently until it starts bubbling, then season with a bit more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Cheese

Now, I return the chicken and all those lovely juices back to the skillet. Sprinkling shredded Parmesan over the top, I let it melt into the sauce and onto the chicken for a rich, cheesy finish. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a pretty touch and brightness.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make the difference between good and fantastic:

Even Thickness Matters: Trust me, pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and stay juicy—skip it and you risk dry edges or undercooked centers.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Skillet: Cooking chicken in a crowded pan traps steam and prevents browning. If it doesn't fit comfortably, cook in batches.
Let the Sauce Bubble Gently: Once you add the cream to the pesto, keep the heat moderate so the sauce thickens nicely without breaking.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding basil or parsley right at the end freshens the dish and adds a lovely pop of color.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always finish with a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley—both add a fresh aroma and brighten up the rich, creamy sauce perfectly. Sometimes I add a little extra Parmesan on top for that salty melt.

Side Dishes

For sides, I enjoy serving this with garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta which soak up all that delicious pesto sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted asparagus adds a nice crunchy contrast, balancing the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving the chicken over a bed of herbed quinoa or buttered noodles, then drizzling more sauce over the top. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens gives it that wow factor when friends come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so sometimes I add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times. To keep the best texture, I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. When thawed, gently reheat on low heat to prevent the cream from separating.

Reheating

Reheating works best on the stove over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and prevent curdling. Add a little additional cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but stirring halfway through really helps even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe. They’re juicier and more forgiving with cooking time, just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. It’s best to freeze chicken and sauce separately and reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy without breaking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan pesto. Skipping the Parmesan means the sauce won’t be quite as cheesy but will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat medium to low when adding the cream and stirring the sauce. Avoid boiling aggressively, which can cause the cream to separate. Stir gently and often until it thickens.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. I always find myself smiling while eating it, knowing it managed to be elegant and accessible all at once. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this as much as I do—consider this a friendly invitation into my kitchen!