For an easy weeknight meal, ready in 30 minutes- this creamy pesto chicken skillet is healthy and flavorful!
Naturally gluten free, this Italian skillet meal is creamy and dreamy! First, chicken and veggies are sautéed. Then, topped with homemade pesto and a light cream sauce. So much flavor with little time and effort! And, the entire meal is made using only one pan. Plus, it can be served as is or over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice.
One Pan. Chicken. Veggies. Pesto. A light cream sauce. Done.
Reasons You’ll Love
- Delicioso! A few simple ingredients creates one lush sauce.
- Quick and easy! Everything made from scratch, start to finish, in just 30 minutes.
- Simple clean up! The entire meal cooked in one skillet.
- Versatile! Substitute your favorite veggies. Add rice or pasta for higher carbs. Serve as is or with cauliflower rice for low carb. Use leftover chicken or even chicken nuggets in a pinch.
Eat with Pesto
Pesto is super simple to make and only requires 4 ingredients! Plus, it literally takes less than 5 minutes and there’s no actual cooking involved (unless you want to add toasted nuts.) And, pesto is a great sauce or addition to so many dishes!
- Pasta
- Chicken
- White Fish or Shrimp
- Bread
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Veggies
- Sandwiches & Panini
- Chicken Parmesan
- Add to spaghetti or lasagna
- Pizza
- Caprese Salads
Ingredients in Pesto Chicken Skillet
Olive Oil
Chicken
Bell Peppers
Zucchini
Butter
Gluten Free Flour
Milk or Cream
Cheese
Homemade Spinach Pesto
What is pesto?
Pesto is a green paste blended with olive oil. The basic ingredients include basil, garlic, salt, and pine nuts. Pesto comes from the Italian word pesta, which means to pound or crush. Traditionally, pesto was made with a mortar and pestle. Now, it’s easily made in a blender or food processor.
Is pesto healthy?
Yes, pesto is healthy when eaten in moderation. It’s part of the mediterranean diet and high in heart-healthy fats. Traditionally made with basil, you can substitute in some spinach for added fiber, protein, and Vitamin C.
Do I have to use pine nuts?
No. Pine nuts add some flavor, but are not necessary in pesto. Macadamia nuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, and pistachios are all terrific substitutes. I often use toasted walnuts or simply skip nuts altogether. Your pesto will still taste great!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken pesto in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
30 minutes
Pesto Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced
- 2 small zucchinis, diced
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. flour (I used oat flour)
- 1 c. milk (I used almond milk)
- 1 c. cheese, shredded
Pesto
- 1 c. spinach leaves
- 1/4 c. basil leaves
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- Optional: 2 tsp. lemon juice
- Optional: 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1-2 Tbsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 8-9 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp. of olive oil. Sauté the peppers for 4-5 minutes. Then, add the zucchini and sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the spinach, basil, and garlic. Then, stream or slowly blend in the olive oil.
- Move the veggies over to one side of the skillet. Next, add the butter and allow to melt on the empty side of the skillet. Then, whisk in the flour. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Next, stir and allow mixture to cook and thicken for 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and stir until melted. Finally, stir in about half of the pesto. Add more if desired.
- When serving, garnish with basil and the remaining shredded cheese.