Are you tired of the same old weeknight meals? Look no further! Pesto chicken is a match made in heaven, and when combined with creamy sauces and other delicious ingredients, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, these 18 creamy pesto chicken recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
From classic pasta bakes to international-inspired flatbreads, quesadillas, and more, we’ve got you covered with our collection of mouth-watering dishes that combine the richness of pesto with the tender, juicy taste of chicken. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in these luscious, creamy, and utterly scrumptious recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
A creamy and flavorful twist on classic pasta bakes, this recipe combines the richness of pesto with the comfort of chicken and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the pasta mixture. Top with chicken pieces and remaining pasta mixture.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet
A classic combination of chicken, pesto, and cream comes together in this quick and easy skillet dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the pesto and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella
This recipe combines the flavors of Italy with a summer classic – grilled chicken and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and olive oil.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, place mozzarella slices on a plate.
7. Once chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8. Place sliced chicken on top of mozzarella cheese.
9. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves (if using).
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the creamy richness of pesto with the tender juiciness of chicken, all wrapped up in bell peppers. The result is a deliciously unique and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp pesto
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in pesto, onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Panini
Elevate your lunch game with this flavorful panini, featuring tender chicken, creamy pesto, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and olive oil.
3. Grill the chicken breast until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Assemble the panini by spreading pesto mixture on each bread slice, layering with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the paninis in the press or grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken and Rice
Elevate your mealtime routine with this flavorful slow cooker recipe that combines the creaminess of pesto, the tenderness of chicken, and the comfort of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, rice, chicken broth, pesto sauce, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in an additional 1/4 cup of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this flavorful and easy-to-make Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza recipe. Combining the creamy richness of pesto, juicy chicken, and crispy flatbread, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked flatbread (or 1 package of naan bread)
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the flatbread.
3. Top with diced chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and top with chopped fresh basil leaves.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of creamy pesto sauce with juicy chicken, ripe avocado, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see note)
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, avocado, pesto sauce, and chopped lettuce.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese (if using) on top.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is a quick assemble affair.
One-Pot Pesto Chicken Orzo
This recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pot wonder that combines the creamy goodness of pesto with the tender taste of chicken and the nutty flavor of orzo. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, pesto sauce, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the orzo is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the earthiness of mushrooms, the creaminess of pesto, and the juiciness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, pesto, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the chicken mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas
These creamy, cheesy quesadillas pack a flavorful punch with the addition of pesto chicken and wilted spinach. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp pesto
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook chicken breasts with pesto until cooked through, then shred.
3. Wilt spinach in a pan with a tablespoon of oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Place a tortilla, top with shredded cheese, chicken, and wilted spinach.
5. Fold tortillas in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden.
6. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot with chopped cilantro on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Roasted Veggie Bowl
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a tangy pesto sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and olive oil.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brush with the pesto mixture.
4. Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss mixed vegetables with salt, pepper, and remaining pesto sauce. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve chicken atop roasted vegetables, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pesto Chicken Caprese Sliders
These bite-sized sliders pack a punch with the combination of juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and fresh mozzarella. Perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1 large tomato, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together pesto sauce and chicken breasts. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in oven.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading pesto on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of mozzarella, grilled chicken, and a tomato slice. Top with remaining bun.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Zucchini Noodles
This flavorful dish combines the richness of pesto with the simplicity of zucchini noodles and chicken breast, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
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 parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the chicken breast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
4. In a large skillet, combine the pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese over medium heat.
5. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the pesto mixture.
6. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Artichoke Dip
A creamy and flavorful dip that combines the richness of artichokes with the savory taste of pesto chicken. Perfect for game day gatherings or a quick snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped artichoke hearts
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 tsp pesto sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, artichoke hearts, chicken breast, and pesto sauce. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is warm and bubbly.
5. Serve with crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Bacon Wraps
A flavorful and satisfying wrap filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons of pesto
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the chicken strips in a skillet until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the bacon slices in a separate skillet until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Assemble the wraps by spreading a tablespoon of pesto on each tortilla, followed by a few pieces of cooked chicken, some crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
5. Fold the tortillas to enclose the filling and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes
Elevate your meal game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe! Fresh tomatoes are filled with a savory mixture of cooked chicken, quinoa, and creamy pesto sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out some of the insides.
3. In a bowl, mix together cooked chicken, quinoa, pesto sauce, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each tomato with the chicken-quinoa mixture, filling them as full as possible.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Elevate your pasta game with this mouthwatering combination of flavors! This recipe is a perfect blend of rich pesto, tender chicken, and steamed broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken breasts with garlic powder until cooked through. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Add broccoli to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and pesto. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli in a large bowl. Pour Alfredo sauce over the top and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these 18 creamy pesto chicken recipes! From classic pasta bakes and skillet dinners, to creative sandwiches and salads, there’s something for everyone. Try Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet, or Grilled Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella for a quick and delicious meal. Or, get adventurous with Pesto Chicken Stuffed Peppers or Pesto Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Whatever your taste, these pesto chicken recipes are sure to become new favorites for busy weeknights.
