If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comes together quickly on a single pan, then you will absolutely love this Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Tender chunks of chicken mingle with fresh vegetables and aromatic garlic, all elevated by a luscious pesto sauce and melted mozzarella, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this skillet meal will bring the essence of Italy straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish. The seasoning gives the chicken that classic Italian flavor, the vegetables add freshness and texture, while the pesto and cheeses bring richness and depth that make this meal truly special.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken with traditional Italian herbs.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish without overpowering it.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, rich base for sautéing, essential for that silky texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for quick cooking and even seasoning absorption.
- Small onion: Adds a mild sweetness and a tender bite once sautéed.
- Medium zucchini: Offers fresh, slightly crisp texture and a vibrant green color.
- Red bell pepper: Brings bright color and natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that irresistible aromatic punch that makes Italian dishes sing.
- Pesto: The star ingredient—herbaceous, nutty, and cheesy, coating every ingredient with pure deliciousness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for a creamy finish.
- Fresh basil, chopped: For a fresh, fragrant garnish that complements the pesto perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds an extra umami kick and a salty finish if desired.
How to Make Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by mixing the dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of this aromatic blend evenly over the cubed chicken breasts. This initial seasoning layers in the classic flavors that build the foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are well-seared on all sides and almost cooked through—about five to six minutes. This step develops a lovely golden crust, sealing in the juices and flavor. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm to add back later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced zucchini, and red bell pepper strips. Sauté these vibrant veggies for six to seven minutes until they soften and start to become tender, building a flavorful base for your skillet meal.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Remaining Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the remaining half of the Italian seasoning mixture. Sauté everything together for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and release its punchy aroma into the skillet.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pesto
Return the chicken to the skillet, incorporating it with the fragrant vegetables. Spoon in the rich pesto and stir thoroughly until all the pieces are well-coated. Let the mixture cook for another two to three minutes to ensure the chicken finishes cooking fully and the sauce slightly thickens for a luscious texture.
Step 6: Melt the Mozzarella
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover the pan and turn off the heat, allowing the residual warmth to gently melt the cheese in about two to three minutes. This melting step adds a creamy layer that brings the entire dish together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Your Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe is now ready to enjoy! Just before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped basil and, if you like, a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor and a perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnishing this dish—they add a burst of color and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the pesto beautifully. For an added layer of savory richness, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top enhances the taste and gives an elegant finishing touch to your skillet meal.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce, or a bowl of creamy polenta for a comforting, traditional Italian pairing. Light pasta tossed in olive oil and lemon also makes a fresh, complementary addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe family-style, right from the pan, allowing everyone to dive in and share. Alternatively, plate individual portions over a bed of cooked quinoa or couscous for extra texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or even some toasted pine nuts to echo the pesto’s nuttiness and add crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing, so the flavors stay vibrant and the texture remains just right when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal for longer, freeze the cooled skillet in appropriate containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its delicious flavor for up to two months. When freezing, it’s best not to add fresh basil or cheese, as these are better added fresh after reheating.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems dry. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan after reheating for that just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is store-bought pesto okay to use?
Definitely! A good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly and speeds up the cooking process. For an extra fresh touch, you can stir in a spoonful of fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check that your pesto and any cheeses you use don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
What other vegetables can I add to this skillet?
Feel free to get creative! Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach would all be lovely additions that complement the flavors and textures well.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like eggplant or tempeh. Increase the pesto and cheese accordingly for that robust Italian flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that feels both comforting and exciting every time you make it. With its combination of fresh ingredients, straightforward steps, and a burst of vibrant flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy this skillet meal brings to your table!
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Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Italian Chicken Skillet with Pesto is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cubed chicken breasts are sautéed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ¼ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced into half moons
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup pesto
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, for serving
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix evenly over the cubed chicken pieces to coat them well.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are seared on all sides and almost cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion, sliced zucchini, and red bell pepper strips. Sauté the vegetables for 6-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic and Remaining Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining half of the seasoning mix. Cook everything together for an additional minute to bring out the flavors of the garlic and spices.
- Combine Chicken and Pesto: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the pesto and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and excess liquid has evaporated.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt gently.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh basil and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this vibrant and hearty Italian-inspired skillet meal.
Notes
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring your pesto is gluten-free.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or use a light mozzarella.
- Vegetables can be substituted based on what you have on hand, such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
