Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Name: Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g); 1 cup heavy cream (240ml); 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

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Introduction

Looking for a delicious and satisfying dish? Our Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is the perfect choice! This recipe combines tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and flavorful pesto into a meal that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that always delivers. Give it a try and fall in love with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick and easy to prepare
✅ Uses fresh and simple ingredients
✅ Versatile for various diets
✅ Perfect for meal prep or family dinners

Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
1/2 cup pesto sauce (120g)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g, optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is adaptable and works for many lifestyles. Try these ideas:

Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan version.
Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for gluten-free or low-carb diets.
Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Top with toasted pine nuts for variety.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and prepare them by chopping, mincing, or measuring as needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Add Cream and Pesto

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and pesto sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top at this stage.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

🔍 Tip 1: Use fresh herbs or ingredients for best results
🔍 Tip 2: Prep ingredients in advance to save time
🔍 Tip 3: Store leftovers in airtight containers
🔍 Tip 4: Adjust spice level based on preference

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, or enjoy it on its own. Great with garlic bread, perfect for gatherings like brunch, lunch, or holidays.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 30g

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken?

Yes, it freezes well. Just ensure it is stored in an airtight container.

How do I reheat it properly?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Can I make it vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is flavorful, flexible, and easy to prepare. Save it, share it, and enjoy every bite!

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Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and satisfying dish, Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken combines succulent chicken with a rich and creamy garlic pesto sauce, making it ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g)
1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Pour in the heavy cream and stir, then add the pesto. Mix until well combined, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat it well. Let it simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil and additional pesto, if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred sides.
Dig in and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness of your dish!