If you’re craving something vibrantly fresh yet comfortably satisfying, look no further than this Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto. This skillet dinner brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, bright cherry tomatoes, tender spinach, and a swirl of rich, herby pesto, all finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fragrant basil. It’s a fabulous weekday meal that tastes like something you’d be served in a cozy trattoria, and it comes together in just about 25 minutes! Whether you’re low-carb or just love bold flavors, the Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can build such mouthwatering layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing color, texture, and that classic Italian flair.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless, and cut them into bite-sized pieces for quicker, even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Gives everything a luscious, golden sear and richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and herbs that gives the chicken its subtle, savory depth.
- Salt: Enhances each flavor—you can adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and sharpness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness in every bite; feel free to use colorful heirloom varieties if you like.
- Baby Spinach: Quickly wilts down to add nutrition and a pop of green.
- Pesto Sauce: The star of this dish—choose a high-quality jarred pesto or your favorite homemade recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh if possible for that nutty, melty finish.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: To garnish, adding aroma and an extra layer of Italian freshness.
How to Make Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only helps the chicken cook evenly, but it also creates more surface area for all those delicious spices and seasoning. Toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper so every morsel is perfectly coated with flavor—this is your ticket to irresistibly tasty bites from the very first forkful.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Don’t rush this step—the caramelization is where so much of the flavor lives, and that golden crust is pure kitchen magic!
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet with your sizzling chicken. As these cook for about 2 minutes, they’ll soften and release their sweet juices, mingling with those savory pan juices for a sauce that tastes like pure summer. If you enjoy a deeper tomato flavor, you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto twist!
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Toss in the baby spinach and stir gently. Watch as it quickly melts into the dish, adding bulk, nutrition, and a beautiful green backdrop. It only takes a minute or so for the spinach to wilt, brightening the skillet and boosting the veggie quotient.
Step 5: Stir in the Pesto
Reduce the heat to low and spoon in the vibrant pesto sauce. Gently stir everything so the chicken and vegetables are creamy and evenly coated in pesto goodness. This is the moment where the Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto truly shines—every corner of the skillet becomes infused with the aromatic basil, garlic, and cheese from the pesto.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt ever so slightly into the warm skillet. Just before serving, add a scatter of fresh basil leaves on top for a final aromatic flourish. The skillet is now bursting with color, fragrance, and flavor—a feast for all the senses!
How to Serve Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto
Garnishes
A handful of torn fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of Parmesan are all you need to finish this dish like a pro. That fresh basil brightens each bite, while the cheese adds a touch of salty, nutty luxury. If you love a little tang, a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving can lift everything beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto is so versatile—it’s fabulous over a bed of hot pasta for those who want something hearty, but just as lovely over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or sautéed zucchini noodles if you’re keeping it low-carb. For an even more Italian-inspired vibe, serve with toasted focaccia, a crisp green salad, or simply enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go the extra mile, spoon the skillet contents into individual pasta bowls and sprinkle each with pine nuts or roasted cherry tomatoes. Or, turn this dish into a quick open-faced sandwich by piling it high onto thick slices of toasted sourdough—perfect for a more casual dinner party or a weekend lunch. However you present it, Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto always looks impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any remaining Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick weeknight lunches. The flavors actually deepen a bit as they mingle, so you might find that leftovers are even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed—just transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’s best to freeze without the fresh basil garnish, as those are better added fresh before serving. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results, and keep in mind that the spinach may lose some texture but the flavors will remain fabulous.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry. For quicker lunches, you can microwave single servings, stirring midway through. Top with fresh basil or a bit more Parmesan to revive all that herby, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious, and they’ll add an extra juicy, richer flavor to your Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
What’s the best pesto to use?
Homemade pesto is fantastic if you have fresh basil and a few extra minutes, but a good-quality store-bought pesto sauce works perfectly here. Look for one made with extra virgin olive oil and real Parmesan for the best flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts make wonderful additions or swaps in this dish. Just chop everything into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the chicken and keep the spirit of an Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes! Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto is naturally gluten-free as written, especially when served over rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Just double-check your pesto ingredients, as some brands use breadcrumbs or other fillers.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You sure can! Use a dairy-free pesto (there are several great options in stores), and simply leave out the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. The dish will still be packed with flavor and just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a spark of fresh, Italian-inspired flavor to your dinner routine, give this Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto a try. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and sure to put smiles on faces at the table. Once you taste how those bright, herby flavors come together right in one pan, you’ll see why it’s become such a favorite in my kitchen!
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Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and pesto sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Wilt spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine: Reduce heat, add pesto, and coat chicken and vegetables evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with basil.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
- Try sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep; refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
