This simple yet luxurious dish combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety pesto cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe is full of rich flavor and comes together in no time!

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pesto (use homemade or your favorite store-bought variety)
1 cup heavy/whipping cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Be cautious with the salt if your pesto is already salty.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine and create a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of water, white wine, or low-sodium chicken broth to thin it out slightly.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy pesto sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, this is perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Flavorful: The creamy pesto sauce elevates simple chicken to a gourmet experience.
Minimal Ingredients: Only six ingredients are needed to create a crowd-pleasing dish.

Tips

Cut Evenly: Slicing the chicken breasts evenly ensures quicker and more uniform cooking.
Use Quality Pesto: Opt for a high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own for the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F without drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even pork chops.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free pesto for a creamy alternative.
Add Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to add some heat to the dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A: Absolutely! Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If time allows, homemade pesto is even better.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: The sauce is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken ahead and gently reheat it with the sauce when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Serving and Suggestions

Pair this creamy pesto chicken with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent sides. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist.