Description
If you’re craving a cozy yet elegant dinner, this Creamy Garlic Pesto Chicken is a must-try. Juicy chicken seared to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious pesto-garlic cream sauce, and paired with crisp bell peppers—this dish delivers serious flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a quick weeknight meal, or a rich, satisfying dish to impress guests, this creamy chicken recipe hits all the right notes. It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for anyone who loves bold, herby comfort food.
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)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks or strips. Season with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Stir in the basil pesto and let it heat through for 1 minute.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and stir gently until fully combined. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth before adding the cream.
If using store-bought pesto, choose one made with olive oil and real Parmesan.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the richness of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: creamy garlic pesto chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, pesto chicken, creamy skillet chicken