There’s something so satisfying about a quick, comforting skillet meal that feels fancy but doesn’t take forever. This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe hits all those marks with tender chicken bathed in a luscious basil pesto cream sauce that’s utterly irresistible and ready in under 30 minutes.

A black pan filled with creamy yellow pasta sauce coating penne pasta, with two rows of sliced cooked chicken breast placed neatly on top, showing juicy white meat with light golden edges and sprinkled with green herbs. The pasta sauce has a smooth texture with some small green specks mixed in. A silver spoon is partially resting inside the pan on the right side. In the background, there is a wooden board with two small beige blocks of cheese and a metal grater, and a small plant with green leaves. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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

I can’t tell you how many nights this dish has saved me when I needed something hearty yet light on effort. The balance of creamy, herby, and cheesy flavors just works—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, you’ll get to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Speedy and Simple: This recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor Profile: The pesto adds a fresh punch, and the creamy sauce takes it to the next level.
One-Skillet Wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal fuss, which I always appreciate after a long day.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak it with different herbs or cheeses to match your mood or pantry.

The image shows a close-up of a black pan containing several pieces of cooked light brown chicken with a slight golden crust. A creamy, pale yellow sauce with small green herb bits covers the bottom of the pan and coats the chicken. A silver spoon holds some of this sauce above the chicken, showing its smooth and thick texture as it drips back onto the meat. The chicken is garnished with small bits of green herbs, adding a fresh touch. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a small glass container of herbs blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination is a winning trio: tender chicken, an herby punch from the pesto, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings it all together. Here are some reasons behind my ingredient choices and shopping tips to make this recipe shine.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse black pepper mixed with salt and garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green basil pesto, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely shredded parmesan cheese, and a few fresh bright green basil or parsley sprigs arranged neatly, all 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

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pounding them even ensures quick, uniform cooking—no dry edges or undercooked centers.
All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coating the chicken gives it a slight crust that helps lock in juices and thickens the sauce just a bit.
Basil Pesto: Fresh or store-bought, it’s the heart of the flavor here—choose a good quality or homemade pesto for the best results.
Heavy Cream: This adds the rich, silky texture we’re after; whole milk won’t give you that same luxurious feel.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami depth and gooey cheesiness that dresses up the dish nicely.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): Simple fundamentals that enhance the flavors without overpowering.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish for a fresh pop and pretty plating.

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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 flexible this Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe is. Depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in, I tweak it to keep it fresh and exciting.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the chicken breasts for thighs—they stay juicier and add a bit more depth of flavor. Just adjust the cook time accordingly!
Go Dairy-Free: You can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious, dairy-free version that still tastes indulgent.
Add Veggies: I like tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or fresh spinach right after the pesto step to sneak in a healthy touch.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce gives a nice kick without overpowering the basil notes.

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

Step 1: Pound the Chicken Evenly

I always start by pounding my chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. This little trick ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout. Use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin—whatever you have handy. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it makes a big difference.

Step 2: Flour and Season

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I like to season the flour mixture well to infuse the chicken with flavor and get a nice light crust when cooking. Dredge each piece until fully coated—this also helps thicken the sauce later when you add the cream.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, gently add the chicken. Searing for about 5 to 8 minutes per side creates a golden crust and locks in those juices. Don’t rush this part—you want a nice brown color before flipping. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm with some foil.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In the same skillet, add the pesto first and cook it for one to two minutes until you can really smell those vibrant herbs. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it warm and start bubbling, adjusting salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is where the magic happens—creamy, herbal, and comforting.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Place the chicken back in the skillet with any juices from the plate, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top, and let it melt into that creamy sauce. The cheese adds a gorgeous, cheesy finish that pulls everything together. A quick sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a fresh, tasty pop.

Top Tip

From countless tries in my kitchen, I’ve learned a few little tweaks that really help this recipe shine and take the stress out of cooking it.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding chicken breasts to a uniform thickness ensures they cook evenly and prevents dry spots–don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each chicken breast room when searing so they brown nicely instead of steaming.
Use Quality Pesto: A fresh-tasting pesto makes a world of difference—either homemade or a trusted store brand.
Watch Salt Levels: Parmesan and pesto both bring saltiness; taste the sauce before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for that bright pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a little extra cracked black pepper or a few pine nuts adds a lovely texture contrast too — it all depends on what I have on hand.

Side Dishes

This creamy pesto chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli, or some buttery mashed potatoes. On busy nights, I often serve it over simple pasta or garlic bread to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this dish over a bed of sautéed spinach and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor contrast. You can also slice the chicken and fan it out on warm plates with dollops of sauce, making it look restaurant-worthy without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When packing, I like to keep the sauce together with the chicken so everything stays juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion out the chicken with sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed slowly in the fridge, the texture stays wonderful, and the sauce remains creamy.

Reheating

I gently reheat the chicken skillet in a skillet over low-medium heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating helps revive the sauce’s creaminess, keeping every bite delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cook them a bit longer until they reach 165°F internally. The creamy pesto sauce works great with thighs too.

Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?

Yes! A good-quality store-bought pesto is a real time-saver and works well here. If you can, opt for a fresh, refrigerated pesto for the best flavor as opposed to shelf-stable jars.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative, and skip or replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. The sauce might taste a bit different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce gently over medium heat and avoid boiling it vigorously once the cream is added. Stir frequently and don’t overheat to keep that smooth, creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners because it just works—simple ingredients, quick cook time, and a flavor combo that feels special yet homey. I’m excited for you to try it out and see how easily you can whip up a dish that feels like a treat any night of the week. Promise, it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!