If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken is your new go-to. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, velvety sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, rich cream, sharp Parmesan, and vibrant pesto. The result? A meal that’s indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its beautiful balance of tangy, cheesy, and herbaceous notes.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out for its harmony of flavors and creamy texture that elevates everyday chicken breasts to something extraordinary. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, slightly sweet tang, while the pesto brings in fresh basil and nutty richness. The Parmesan cheese melts into the heavy cream to create a luscious sauce that clings to each bite of chicken. Best of all, it all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you love dishes like Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas, you’ll adore this creamy, savory chicken that’s just as comforting and full of herbaceous goodness.

What We’re Using

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The perfect lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped – These add intense tomato flavor and a pleasant chewy texture.
1 cup heavy cream – Provides the creamy, silky body of the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and depth, melting into the sauce to make it rich.
1/2 cup pesto sauce – Made with basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and garlic, it infuses the dish with freshness and complexity.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken and sautéing garlic, ensuring a golden crust.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth and a subtle bite.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor.
Fresh basil leaves for garnish – For a pop of color and extra herbal brightness.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Large skillet or sauté pan – For cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce in one pan.
Sharp knife – To chop sun-dried tomatoes and mince garlic finely.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy with cream, pesto, and olive oil.
Grater – To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Tongs or spatula – To flip and move the chicken without tearing it.
Serving plates – To showcase this beautiful dish when it’s ready to eat.

Mastering Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken: How-To

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and mincing the garlic cloves. Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh if possible. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Pesto and Parmesan

Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Allow everything to warm together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. For a baked pasta variation, try the Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne for a similar flavor profile with a crispy topping.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Nut-Free: If your pesto contains pine nuts, substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, or use a nut-free basil sauce.
Garlic-Intolerant: Omit garlic or replace with garlic-infused oil for a milder flavor.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium pesto and reduce added salt accordingly.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

Chicken is dry: Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and removing chicken from heat once it reaches 165°F.
Sauce too thin: Simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken, or add a sprinkle of grated cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes too chewy: Chop them finely and allow them to soften slightly in the cream sauce before adding the chicken back in.
Sauce breaks or curdles: Keep heat on medium or lower when adding cream and cheese; high heat can cause separation.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate.

Quick Weeknight Wins

Creamy Basil Pesto Gnocchi With Peas – A quick pasta side that pairs well with chicken dishes.
Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne – Another cheesy, comforting chicken pasta bake.
Garlic Butter Green Beans – Simple steamed green beans tossed in garlic butter for a fresh, crisp side.
Roasted Baby Potatoes – Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs that can roast while you prep the chicken.

See You at the Table

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken recipe brings together the best of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors in one satisfying dish. From the moment you slice into the juicy chicken smothered in that rich sauce, you’ll know it’s a winner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is proof that quick and easy can also be incredibly delicious. Grab your skillet, warm up that beautiful sauce, and enjoy every bite alongside your favorite sides. Happy cooking!

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