Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake

Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup pesto sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Favorites

I’m excited to share my Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake with you! This dish has become a favorite in my home due to its rich and savory flavors that marry beautifully with tender chicken. I love how easy it is to prepare — just mix the pesto with cream, pour it over the chicken, and let the oven do all the work! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:09:36.604Z

When I first created this dish, I wanted something that was both comforting and impressive. The combination of creamy sauce and zesty pesto creates an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. I remember serving this during a small gathering, and watching my friends savor each bite made my heart swell with happiness.

One tip I’ve found is to sear the chicken lightly before adding the pesto sauce. This not only locks in the juices but also gives a lovely color, enhancing the overall presentation. Already dreaming of this meal again!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy pesto sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights
Simple preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
Deliciously satisfying and great for leftovers

Tips for Perfect Chicken

For the best results, choose chicken breasts that are even in thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly, reducing the chance of dry edges. If your chicken breasts vary in size, consider pounding them to an even thickness. You can achieve this easily by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding with a meat mallet. This technique not only promotes even cooking but also helps the chicken absorb the delicious flavors of the pesto sauce.

When searing your chicken, aim for a golden brown crust, which may take about 2-3 minutes per side. This browning enhances the flavor profile by introducing a rich, savory element. If your pan gets too hot and the chicken sticks, simply reduce the heat slightly. A good sear also locks in moisture, contributing to the tender and juicy outcome you desire.

Making the Creamy Pesto Sauce

The combination of heavy cream and pesto sauce creates a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the chicken. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just be aware that the flavor profile may shift slightly; opting for a flavored non-dairy cream can help maintain the essence of the dish. Whisk the two ingredients until fully incorporated, which ensures the pesto blends evenly throughout the sauce, coating every piece of chicken deliciously.

Incorporating additional herbs or spices into the sauce can offer unique variations. For instance, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture. Alternatively, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of warmth without overpowering the harmonious flavors of the pesto.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once you've baked the creamy pesto chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is essential as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful bite. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider using the oven or a skillet; this helps maintain the crispy texture of the cheese. If you wish to freeze the dish, do so without the fresh basil garnish, and consume within 3 months for the best quality.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious bake:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat.

Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Whisk until well combined.

Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish, place the seared chicken breasts. Pour the pesto sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Once done, remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your creamy and flavorful chicken bake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in pesto overnight before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself short on heavy cream, don't hesitate to substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream, which will impart a tangy flavor and unique creaminess. However, make sure to stir these in at a lower temperature to avoid curdling. You may also experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or kale pesto, which can lend exciting new flavors to this dish.

For a gluten-free option, ensure that your pesto is made without any added preservatives that might contain gluten. Additionally, if you're looking to reduce the sodium content, consider making your own pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and a bit of garlic, allowing you to control the salt content to your liking.

Scaling the Recipe

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Bake recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. For every additional two chicken breasts, increase the cream and pesto sauce by 1/2 cup each, along with an extra 1/2 cup of cheese for that lovely cheesy topping. Just ensure that your baking dish is large enough to accommodate the additional chicken, allowing enough space for even cooking.

When scaling up, keep an eye on the baking time; you may need to extend it by an additional 5-10 minutes. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. This way, you can serve a delicious meal without the risk of undercooked meat.

Variations to Try

Feel free to switch up the cheese by using goat cheese for a tangy twist or adding crumbled feta for an even richer flavor. You can also layer in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition and depth, making this dish as versatile as it is delectable.

For a smoky flavor, consider adding some grilled or roasted vegetables under the chicken before baking. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichokes can complement the creamy pesto beautifully, giving you an exciting new take each time you make this beloved recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce the calories while still keeping it creamy.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and still provides excellent flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken, just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.