Creamy Pesto Chicken

5 from 1 vote

Creamy Pesto Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that is quick and easy. This dish features chicken breasts, bell peppers, and sweet onions, all simmered in a delicious sauce made with heavy cream and pesto. Made in just 30 minutes this is a dish the whole family will love.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Creamy Pesto Chicken

Servings:

Calories: 391kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts sliced
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 bell peppers sliced
1 small white onion sliced
1/4 cup pesto
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
fresh basil optional
2 cups cooked rice for serving

Instructions

Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the sauce. Add the peppers and onion to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth stirring well. Add the chicken back to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Serve. Serve hot with fresh basil over rice.

Video

Notes

Use a store-bought jarred pesto or for the best flavor, make your own from scratch using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan and olive oil.

When making the sauce, slowly stir in the cream to avoid curdling.

Avoid drying out the chicken by cooking it until just done. Using a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees F is the best approach.

Garnish with fresh basil for serving.

Nutrition