• Jul 23, 2025
• by Agustin Krajcik
• Comments

5 Pesto Chicken Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Craving delicious and easy pesto chicken recipes? This article features five mouthwatering variations, from classic baked breasts to innovative Instant Pot creations. Discover tips, tricks, and variations to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests! Perfect for busy cooks seeking flavorful, healthy meals.

1. Prosciutto-Stuffed Baked Chicken Breasts with Pesto

Description: Elevate your weeknight chicken dinner (or impress your guests!) with these delectable prosciutto and pesto-stuffed chicken breasts. Bursting with savory flavors and melty cheese, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, leaving you time to focus on creating the perfect sides.

Why You Should Try This: This recipe is popular due to its elegant presentation and the delightful combination of salty prosciutto, fragrant pesto, and creamy cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for special occasions or a satisfying weeknight meal.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, consider using sun-dried tomato pesto.
• 2. If you don't have smoked provolone, mozzarella or fontina cheese also work well.
• 3. To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness.
• 4. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• 5. If the bread crumbs start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil.

2. Instant Pot® Gourmet Pesto Chicken

Description: Experience the delicate flavors of pesto chicken reimagined in the Instant Pot®. This recipe delivers a light and vibrant sauce, a delightful departure from traditional, heavier pesto dishes. A symphony of fresh vegetables and creamy textures awaits!

Why You Should Try This: The Instant Pot version is popular for its speed and convenience. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• 2. Adjust the amount of pesto to your preference. For a bolder flavor, add an extra tablespoon or two.
• 3. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend a small amount of the sauce with the cream cheese before adding it to the pot.
• 4. Feel free to substitute other vegetables based on your preference and what you have on hand. Broccoli florets, zucchini, or bell peppers would all work well.
• 5. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

3. Balsamic-Glazed Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Pesto and Parmesan

Description: Elevate your weeknight dinner with these succulent chicken breasts, generously stuffed with a vibrant pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of melted cheeses. Finished with a luscious garlic-balsamic glaze, it's a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Why You Should Try This: The balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated touch and complements the pesto beautifully, making this recipe a delicious and impressive option.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For best results, use fresh, high-quality pesto.
• 2. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish.
• 3. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and fillings to customize this recipe to your liking. Consider adding roasted red peppers, spinach, or goat cheese.
• 4. To prevent the cheese from melting out too much, ensure the toothpicks are securely in place.
• 5. The balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4. Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Pasta

Description: Transform simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors with this effortless slow cooker recipe. Tender chicken, bathed in a luxurious pesto cream sauce, melds perfectly with egg noodles and a generous blanket of Parmesan-Romano-Asiago cheese. A comforting and aromatic dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You Should Try This: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights due to its hands-off nature. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, consider using homemade pesto. Fresh basil pesto will elevate the dish to another level.
• 2. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• 3. Feel free to substitute other types of pasta, such as rotini or penne, if desired. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• 4. This dish is excellent served with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

5. Italian Chicken Pesto with Spaghetti Squash

Description: A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender strands of spaghetti squash tossed with savory Italian chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and a fragrant pesto sauce. This healthy and satisfying meal is a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors.

Why You Should Try This: This recipe offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional pasta dishes, using spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, try using homemade pesto.
• 2. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved.
• 3. To save time, you can microwave the spaghetti squash. Cut in half, remove seeds, and microwave cut-side up with a little water in a microwave-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
• 4. Consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• 5. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely finishing touch (though this will make the recipe not strictly paleo).