SkinnyMediterranean: Creamy Pesto Chicken

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Skinnymixer’s Creamy Pesto Chicken features in the Fast section of the cookbook SkinnyMediterranean. Creamy Pesto Chicken: juicy chicken in a luscious basil pesto sauce with a splash of cream. Looks like restaurant food, takes 30 minutes flat.

The Creamy Pesto Chicken is a cookbook exclusive recipe…

Warning: you’ll want to drink the sauce straight from the bowl. You can’t go wrong with chicken and pesto. This creamy version is packed with flavour from fresh basil, spinach, and semi dried tomatoes. We leave the oil out of this pesto to try and keep the calories down, but I like to have a pesto stash in the freezer for even easier dinners.

This Creamy Pesto Chicken is the kind of dinner I reach for when I want big flavour with minimal fuss. Tender chicken fillets are simmered in a garlicky basil pesto cream sauce until juicy and golden. It’s quick, rich, and tastes like something you’d order in a café — but it only takes 20 minutes at home.

The trick here is using good pesto. You can use store-bought if you’re short on time, but honestly, if you’ve got a few minutes, making fresh pesto in the Thermomix® (or blender) takes this dish to another level. That nutty, herby sauce clings to the chicken beautifully, and when it’s finished with cream, it becomes silky and comforting without being too heavy.

Serve it with pasta, rice, or just some crusty bread to mop up that glorious sauce. And yes — the kids will love it too.

Why You’ll Love It

• Fast & fuss-free – dinner on the table in 28 minutes.
• Flavour bomb – pesto + garlic + cream = magic.
• Versatile – pair with pasta, rice, salad, Silky Sweet Potato Mash or veggies.
• Family-friendly – mild but satisfying, even the kids will be happy.
• Two methods – Thermomix® and stovetop, both tested.

What you will need:

• 700g chicken thigh
• baby spinach
• brown onion
• Chicken Stock Concentrate
• cornflour
• cracked black pepper
• cream of choice – full fat, low fat, lactose-free, dairy-free they have all been tested
• fresh basil leaves
• garlic
• lemon zest
• olive oil
• Parmesan or pecorino cheese
• raw macadamias, toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds (cashews, almonds or pumpkin seeds work too)
• salt
• semi dried tomatoes

This page exists to help people find what cookbook the Creamy Pesto Chicken is in and also to provide a basic shopping list for when you are out and about and have forgotten your eBook or shopping list. (Handy I know!). Plus extra recipe information – tips, FAQs and videos.

Dietary Variations

For this recipe we have variations for:

✔️ Dairy Free
✔️ Low Carb
✔️ Lower Calorie
✔️ Paleo
✔️ Vegetarian
✔️ Low Fodmap 

Cooking Methods

For this recipe we have methods for:
✔️ Thermo cooker
✔️ Stovetop
✔️ Slow cooker

Want to know more about SkinnyMediterranean cookbook? 

Inside SkinnyMediterranean you’ll find 60+ fresh, flavour-packed recipes inspired by Greece, Italy, France, Morocco & the Middle East — with both Thermo cooker and traditional methods included. Think share plates, vibrant salads, speedy midweek dinners, family favourites, chef specials and the most delicious sweets

This page exists to help people find what cookbook the Creamy Pesto Chicken is in and also to provide a basic shopping list for when you are out and about and have forgotten your eBook or shopping list. (Handy I know!). Plus extra recipe information – tips, FAQs and videos.

FAQs

Can I use shop-bought pesto?
Yes – choose a good quality one. But homemade pesto makes it extra special.

What chicken works best?
Chicken breast or thigh fillets both work. Thighs stay extra juicy if you prefer dark meat.

Can I make it lighter?
Yes – swap the cream for evaporated milk or light cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Does it freeze well?
Yes. Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce.

What can I serve it with?
Pasta is classic, but rice or mashed potatoes work beautifully. Or keep it light with steamed greens or salad.