Name: Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons basil pesto; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

I’ve made a lot of creamy chicken dishes in my kitchen, but none have captivated the way this Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken has. The very first time I simmered chicken in a rich pesto-garlic cream sauce, I knew I had struck gold. The aroma alone was enough to pull everyone into the kitchen, and when the first bite hit the table, it was love at first taste. There’s something magical about the way the pesto clings to the seared chicken and how the garlic melts into the cream, creating a luscious, herbaceous sauce that’s packed with bold flavor.

This dish quickly became a staple in my weeknight rotation—not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but because it’s so easy to throw together. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few pantry staples and a skillet can bring this comforting, restaurant-quality meal to life in under 30 minutes. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a crusty piece of bread to mop up the sauce, this Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

Bold and herby flavor from basil pesto and sautéed garlic
Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite beautifully
Quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes
Versatile: pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies
Family-friendly: picky eaters love the creamy goodness
Customizable with vegetables or your protein of choice
Meal prep approved: reheats like a dream the next day

What Kind of Pesto Should I Use for Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken?

I personally love using a classic basil pesto for this dish—it delivers that rich, garlicky, herbaceous punch that pairs beautifully with cream and chicken. You can go with store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own if you have fresh basil on hand. Homemade pesto allows you to control the garlic, cheese, and nut levels, making the flavor even more tailored to your liking. If you’re using jarred pesto, try to choose one made with real olive oil and Parmesan for the best taste.

That said, don’t be afraid to get creative. Sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto can add a fun twist if you’re in the mood for something different. Each version brings a new layer of flavor to the creamy sauce, so feel free to experiment depending on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, which is one of my favorite things about it. Here are a few swap ideas to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Chicken Thighs – Prefer dark meat? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Half & Half or Milk – For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half & half or whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner.
Dairy-Free Cream – Coconut cream or unsweetened almond cooking milk are great for a non-dairy alternative.
Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.
Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Extra Veggies – Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can be tossed in to add more color and nutrition.

You really can make this dish your own, and it’ll still taste amazing.

Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These are the protein base of the dish, soaking up the creamy pesto flavor perfectly. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Basil pesto
The star of the sauce, providing bold, herbaceous notes with garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Heavy cream
Creates a rich, velvety texture in the sauce that balances the strong flavors of the pesto.
Garlic cloves
Freshly minced garlic deepens the overall flavor and adds a warm, aromatic layer to the sauce.
Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection and infuse it with extra flavor right from the start.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the natural flavors of every ingredient.
Bell peppers (red and yellow)
These add a pop of sweetness and color to the dish, complementing the savory, creamy sauce.
Fresh basil (optional garnish)
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves at the end elevates the look and adds a burst of freshness.

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks or strips for quicker cooking. Season them generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

Step 4: Add Bell Peppers

Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes. They should start to soften but still hold their shape and color.

Step 5: Stir in the Pesto

Add the basil pesto to the skillet, stirring it into the garlic and peppers. Let it warm through for a minute to release its aroma.

Step 6: Pour in the Cream

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until the pesto and cream combine into a smooth, luscious sauce. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Return Chicken to Skillet

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes to prepare:

Searing the chicken: 8–10 minutes
Sautéing garlic and peppers: 3–4 minutes
Simmering the sauce: 5–7 minutes
Final simmer with chicken: 3–5 minutes

It’s a quick meal that delivers maximum flavor in minimal time—perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the long prep.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to get that golden crust without steaming the meat.
Use good-quality pesto. Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto made with fresh basil, real Parmesan, and olive oil will make all the difference.
Deglaze the pan slightly with a splash of chicken broth or water if the garlic starts to stick before adding the pesto and cream.
Simmer gently, not boil. Keep the heat low once the cream is added to prevent curdling and to keep the sauce silky.
Taste and adjust. Once the sauce is combined, taste for salt and balance. If it’s too rich, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens it right up.
Add extra veggies if desired—spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes all work beautifully in this dish.
Garnish last. Fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving adds a finishing touch in both flavor and presentation.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using low-fat cream or milk. It may curdle when mixed with pesto and heat. Stick with heavy cream or a dairy-free cream alternative designed for cooking.
Overcooking the chicken. It turns dry and tough quickly—remove it from heat once it’s golden and fully cooked inside.
Burning the garlic. Garlic cooks fast! Keep the heat medium and stir continuously until just fragrant.
Adding cream too fast. Pour it in slowly and stir gently to help the sauce emulsify properly.
Skipping seasoning. Even with pesto, salt and pepper are still important for drawing out the full flavor of each element.
Rushing the sauce. Letting the sauce simmer gives it a chance to thicken and become more flavorful—don’t cut corners here.
Serving without resting. Give the finished dish 2–3 minutes off the heat before serving. It helps the sauce settle and cling better to the chicken.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken?

Pasta

A classic choice—fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Garlic Bread

The crunchy, buttery slices are perfect for dipping into the leftover sauce.

Steamed Rice

A fluffy bowl of jasmine or basmati rice acts as a great neutral base for the rich flavors.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy on creamy—but it works. The flavors blend into pure comfort food bliss.

Roasted Veggies

Try broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini. Their slight bitterness complements the richness of the sauce.

Zucchini Noodles

Great for a low-carb option that still gives that pasta-like satisfaction.

Side Salad

Go for something fresh and crisp—arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

Polenta

Creamy or grilled, polenta is a hearty, rustic partner to the chicken and sauce.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them properly to enjoy the creamy goodness again:

Refrigerator: Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to re-emulsify the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and based on a standard serving size with cream and pesto. Exact values will vary depending on brands and substitutions.

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 540mg

This dish is rich and satisfying—high in protein and fat, lower in carbs. Perfect for keto-style meals or hearty dinners when you want something indulgent yet balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’re juicier and offer even more flavor.

What’s the best type of cream to use?

Heavy cream is ideal for richness and thickness. You can use half & half, but the sauce will be thinner. Avoid low-fat milk, which can curdle.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free pesto and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cooking cream. Be sure the dairy-free alternatives are unsweetened.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

You can, but fresh garlic really enhances the flavor. Jarred garlic tends to be milder and less aromatic.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well. Make the dish up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a little cream when reheating if needed.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Make sure to add the cream slowly and keep the heat low once it’s added. Stir gently and let it simmer—don’t boil it.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini all work beautifully with the creamy pesto sauce.

What pasta goes best with this chicken?

Short shapes like penne or rigatoni are great at holding the sauce, but long noodles like fettuccine or linguine also work wonderfully.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is one of those magical dishes that brings comfort, elegance, and serious flavor to the table—all with minimal effort. It’s rich without being overwhelming, packed with garlicky-herb goodness, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a skillet masterpiece, this dish delivers every time. It’s a keeper, a repeater, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen too.