How to make a creamy pesto sauce for chicken?

To create a creamy pesto sauce for chicken, start by gently sautéing minced garlic in olive oil. Once fragrant, pour in heavy cream and stir until warmed. Gradually add fresh basil pesto, stirring constantly to blend everything smoothly. Let it simmer briefly until it thickens slightly. Finish with freshly grated parmesan for added richness, then pour the creamy sauce over your cooked chicken.

How to make pesto more creamy?

If your pesto feels too thick or oily, you can easily make it creamier. Add a small amount of heavy cream, cream cheese, or even mascarpone cheese to soften the texture. Stir well to fully incorporate. These ingredients give your pesto a velvety consistency, making it perfect for creamy pesto chicken recipes.

How to turn store bought pesto into creamy pesto?

To transform store-bought pesto into a creamy pesto sauce, simply stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half over low heat. You can also add a spoonful of cream cheese or a handful of grated parmesan to boost richness. Heat gently while mixing until smooth and creamy. Now you have an upgraded creamy pesto chicken sauce that tastes homemade.

What's the difference between Alfredo sauce and creamy pesto?

Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and parmesan, delivering a pure, rich, buttery flavor without herbs. Creamy pesto chicken sauce starts with basil pesto blended into cream, adding fresh, herbaceous notes alongside the richness. Both are creamy, but creamy pesto chicken offers a more vibrant, layered taste profile thanks to its fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil base.

Creamy Pesto Chicken: The Best 5-Step Recipe You'll Love

Description

A quick and creamy pesto chicken recipe made with tender chicken breasts, rich basil pesto, and a smooth parmesan cream sauce—ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup basil pesto (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. For even cooking, slice thicker breasts in half horizontally.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Blend in Pesto & Cheese
Add pesto and parmesan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
Combine and Serve
Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over top, and simmer 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: ~450 kcal