Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Look no further! Pesto chicken is a game-changer, and when combined with creaminess, it’s a match made in heaven. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious and easy-to-make creamy pesto chicken recipes perfect for busy weeknights.
From classic pasta dishes to innovative skillet meals, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling energized and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these simple and satisfying meals will become staples in your household.
In the following pages, we’ll be diving into a world of creamy pesto chicken goodness, featuring mouthwatering dishes like Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Creamy Pesto Chicken and Mushroom Skillet, and many more. So, get ready to spice up your dinner routine and indulge in the rich flavors of Italy!
Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A flavorful and quick-cooking pasta dish that combines the richness of pesto, juicy chicken, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken breast over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing into strips.
3. In the same skillet, combine pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with the pesto mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Top with sliced chicken breast.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Mushroom Skillet
A flavorful one-pot meal that combines the richness of pesto with the tenderness of chicken and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp pesto
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic to the skillet; sauté until mushrooms release their liquid and start browning, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in pesto and heavy cream; bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the skillet; season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of pesto, mozzarella, and grilled chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with the pesto mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, slice mozzarella cheese into thin strips.
6. Once chicken is cooked, top each breast with a few slices of mozzarella cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines juicy chicken with creamy pesto and sweet bell peppers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in pesto sauce and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stuff each pepper with the cooked chicken mixture, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Rice
Quick and flavorful, this one-pan recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With the added bonus of minimal cleanup, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover or day-old)
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in cooked rice, pesto, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the rice mixture.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve hot!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas
A flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas, these Pesto Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, pesto, and spinach.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheese.
4. Add the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken with White Beans
A flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker recipe combines the rich taste of pesto with the comfort of creamy white beans, all wrapped up in tender chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, pesto, cannellini beans, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Get ready to elevate your pizza game with this unique and flavorful flatbread pizza! This recipe combines the richness of pesto, the savory taste of chicken, and the crispiness of flatbread for a delicious twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of flatbread
– 1/2 cup of pesto sauce
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the flatbread on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread half of the pesto sauce over the flatbread, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Top with diced chicken, mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley.
5. Fold the crust over the filling to form a square or rectangle shape.
6. Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the flavors of Italy with a creamy twist. Grilled chicken, fresh avocado, and tangy pesto come together for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, and cooled chicken.
4. Drizzle pesto over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a sliver of lemon juice (optional) and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Baked Pesto Chicken with Parmesan Crust
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make dish, featuring the perfect balance of creamy pesto and crispy Parmesan crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto sauce and a pinch of salt.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the pesto mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken breast, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This flavorful stir-fry combines the richness of pesto with the tenderness of chicken, all wrapped up with a burst of green broccoli. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp pesto sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, red pepper flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender-crisp.
4. Stir in the pesto sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss with the pesto-broccoli mixture.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional desired seasonings (garlic powder, red pepper flakes).
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy, flavorful dish that combines the richness of pesto sauce with the tender juiciness of chicken and the comfort of jumbo shells.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, pesto sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken-pesto mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until shells are heated through and cheese is melted.
7. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
Elevate your meal game with this flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with juicy chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and nutty quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil. Brush the mixture onto the grilled or baked chicken.
5. Divide cooked quinoa into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes (if using), and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
6. Drizzle remaining pesto sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pesto Chicken Panini with Pesto Mayo
Elevate your sandwich game with this flavorful and easy-to-make panini featuring juicy chicken, creamy pesto mayo, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, sliced
– 2 tablespoons pesto mayonnaise (see below for recipe)
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto Mayo Recipe:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Spread 1-2 teaspoons of pesto mayo on each bread slice.
3. Top with sliced chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or grill for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Zucchini Noodles
A flavorful and healthy twist on classic pasta dishes, this recipe combines tender chicken, sautéed zucchini, and creamy pesto sauce with zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook chicken breast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, spiralize zucchinis into noodle-like strands.
4. In a large skillet, sauté zucchini noodles with a pinch of salt and pepper over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
5. Slice cooked chicken breast into strips.
6. Add pesto sauce to the skillet with zucchini noodles; toss to combine.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with basil leaves (if using).
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Potato Bake
Pesto Chicken and Potato Bake Recipe
A flavorful and comforting one-dish meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken with pesto until coated.
3. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
4. Arrange potato slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
5. Place chicken on top of potatoes.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pesto Chicken Tacos with Garlic Aioli
Pesto Chicken Tacos with Garlic Aioli Recipe Summary:
Experience the bold flavors of Italy and Mexico combined in this unique recipe featuring chicken, pesto, garlic aioli, and crispy tacos.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto and chicken breasts until coated evenly.
3. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast tortillas by wrapping them in foil and baking for 5-7 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and mayonnaise to create Garlic Aioli.
6. Assemble tacos by slicing chicken, placing on toasted tortillas, and topping with cheese, cilantro, and queso fresco (if using).
7. Drizzle Garlic Aioli on top of each taco.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Artichoke Dip
Elevate your gathering with this creamy and savory dip that combines the flavors of pesto, chicken, and artichokes.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet.
4. If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top of the dip.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or pita bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Tomato Bruschetta
A flavorful twist on traditional bruschetta, this recipe combines the savory taste of chicken with the bold flavors of pesto and fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and pesto sauce.
3. Place chicken breasts in the bowl and toss to coat with the mixture.
4. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the chicken is baking, toast baguette slices by placing them on a baking sheet and baking at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
6. Top each bruschetta with a piece of chicken, a cherry tomato half, salt, pepper, and chopped basil leaves (if using).
Pesto Chicken and Bacon Wraps
Savor the flavors of Italy with these mouthwatering wraps filled with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy pesto.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. In the same skillet, add olive oil and pesto sauce. Simmer for 1 minute to warm the sauce.
5. Assemble wraps by slicing grilled chicken into strips and placing them along with cooked bacon and warmed pesto sauce onto tortillas.
6. Add optional toppings as desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these 20 creamy pesto chicken recipes! From classic pasta dishes to innovative skillet meals, and even some unexpected twists like quesadillas and tacos, there’s something for everyone. Discover new favorite combinations that combine the rich flavors of pesto with chicken, vegetables, cheese, and more. Perfect for busy home cooks looking for quick and delicious solutions.