Name: Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup pesto; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream

There's nothing quite like the comforting blend of herby and creamy that hits all the right notes in your weeknight dinner. This Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner stands out because it’s incredibly simple yet feels special, with tender chicken bathed in a luscious pesto cream sauce that makes every bite a little celebration.

The image shows a close-up of four browned chicken pieces cooking in a light yellow creamy sauce inside a red skillet. The sauce is thick with specks of dark herbs and is unevenly spread over the chicken and pan. A silver spoon covered in sauce is held over the chicken, dipping into the sauce. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the chicken and sauce, adding texture and color contrast. 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 Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this creamy pesto chicken skillet more times than I can count because it’s that dependable, flavorful dish that always hits the spot. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to when you want something cozy, fresh, and simply elegant without a fuss.

Speedy to whip up: Perfect for busy nights since it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: With just five key ingredients, it’s easy to keep your pantry stocked and ready.
That rich, creamy pesto sauce: Elevates simple chicken into a decadent, flavor-packed meal.
Flexible and forgiving: You can easily tweak it for your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe is there for a purpose. The chicken breasts give you a hearty base, while the pesto adds an herbal punch that the cream beautifully softens into a luscious sauce. Here's a quick breakdown so you can shop smart and know exactly what to look for.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts, a few scattered black and white peppercorns with coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with a cube of pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green pesto sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick white heavy cream, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: I like to slice these thinly so they cook evenly and stay tender without drying out.
Salt & pepper: I usually go light on salt initially since pesto can be pretty salty, but black pepper really brings out all the flavors.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps get a great sear on the chicken.
Butter: For that extra touch of creaminess and to help brown the chicken perfectly.
Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, the basil, garlic, and pine nuts give the sauce its signature bright, herby flavor.
Heavy cream: Turns the pesto into a silky smooth sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of chicken.

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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 love how versatile this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is. Sometimes I add extra veggies right into the skillet - like cherry tomatoes or spinach - for a one-pan meal. You should definitely experiment and find what makes it yours.

Variation: I once swapped the heavy cream for coconut milk to give it a subtle tropical twist that was surprisingly delicious and dairy-free.
Make it spicy: A handful of crushed red pepper flakes added during the sauce step will give you a nice kick if you like some heat.
Seasonal twist: In cooler months, adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers really amps up the earthiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner Recipe

On a white plate sits a neatly arranged meal with three main parts: on the left is a layer of creamy mashed potatoes, off-white in color and smooth in texture, covered with a thick, light brown gravy that has specks of black pepper and green herbs; in the middle, there is a layer of bright green beans cut into short segments, topped with the same light brown herb-spotted gravy; on the right, a single piece of golden-brown roasted chicken with a glossy, slightly crispy skin, also covered with the light brown gravy and sprinkled with chopped green herbs; the plate rests on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Season them lightly with salt and pepper—you can always adjust salt later since pesto often brings some saltiness itself.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the pan is hot but not smoking. Place the chicken cutlets in the pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Resist the urge to poke or move them too early—they need that direct contact to get a nice crust. Once seared, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, then pour pesto and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir them together until the sauce is smooth and blended. Add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices that collected on the plate to keep it extra flavorful. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken while the chicken finishes cooking through (internal temp of 165°F is perfect).

If you notice the sauce getting too thick before the chicken is done, splash in a little water, white wine, or low sodium chicken broth to loosen it up. This keeps the sauce silky and prevents any burning.

Top Tip

From my countless attempts at this recipe, a few simple tips have made all the difference in nailing the perfect creamy pesto chicken every time.

Don’t crowd the pan: Giving each chicken piece enough space when searing helps them develop better color and prevents steaming.
Pat the chicken dry: Before seasoning, a dry surface helps you get that golden-brown sear instead of a pale, soggy one.
Low and slow for the sauce: Keeping the heat moderate while simmering helps avoid curdling the cream and keeps the sauce smooth.
Use a good-quality pesto: I recommend making your own from fresh basil, pine nuts, and parmesan, but a high-quality store-bought brand works too — it really impacts flavor.

How to Serve Easy Italian Pesto Chicken Dinner Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of freshly grated parmesan and chopped basil right on top before serving. A few toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and reinforce those classic pesto flavors. Plus, a little twist of lemon zest brightens everything up just so.

Side Dishes

This creamy pesto chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil. On days when you want extra comfort, creamy polenta or buttered pasta become instant favorites alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this skillet chicken over a bed of fluffy parmesan risotto and garnished with edible flowers — everyone loved how elegant yet approachable it looked. Another time, I spooned the sauce over grilled flatbreads and topped with arugula for a rustic, casual meal that felt fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find the chicken stays tender and the pesto cream sauce remains flavorful, making next-day lunches a total joy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by portioning the cooled meal into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and reheat, the sauce may separate slightly, but a quick stir over low heat brings it back to its creamy goodness.

Reheating

Reheating on the stovetop works best — gently warm the chicken and sauce together over low heat. Adding a splash of cream or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much after storage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more richness and stay juicy, just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, which will keep the sauce creamy with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make the pesto from scratch?

Definitely! Fresh homemade pesto is wonderful here. Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant, fresh sauce you’ll love.

How can I tell when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside when cut.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those simple but sensational dishes that has become a favorite in my kitchen—and I know you'll love it just as much. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll want to turn to again and again, whether for a quick weeknight treat or a cozy weekend dinner. Seriously, once you’ve tasted the bright, creamy sauce mingling with tender chicken, you’ll understand why it’s so special. Give it a try and make it your own—you can’t go wrong!