Gourmet Pesto Arugula Pizza with Chicken, Nectarines & Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A Flavor Symphony

Prepare for an explosion of unique and delicious flavors with this Pesto Arugula Pizza, generously drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a culinary masterpiece topped with a harmonious blend of savory diced chicken, sweet nectarines, creamy ricotta, fresh corn, zesty arugula, and aromatic diced onions. Each ingredient plays a vital role, marrying together to create a truly unforgettable experience, perfect for your next pizza night or a special gathering.

Crafting homemade pizza begins with a superb foundation, and a reliable pizza dough recipe is paramount. My tried-and-true homemade pizza dough recipe is a game-changer – it’s absolutely fantastic! This versatile recipe typically yields enough dough for 2-3 pizzas, allowing you to refrigerate the extra for another meal or transform it into delicious breadsticks to accompany your pizza. For an authentic homemade touch, consider using my homemade basil pesto recipe, which elevates the fresh flavors of this dish even further.

Why This Pesto Arugula Pizza is an Absolute Must-Try

This Pesto Arugula Pizza isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a captivating culinary experience that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Here’s why this recipe stands out and quickly became a fan favorite in my household:

• A Symphony of Unexpected Flavors: Truly, this is the perfect pizza topping combination. I first created this pizza during a “build your own pizza” night, aiming for something unique and creative. The result? Everyone was clamoring for more! You might not initially think that a blend of creamy ricotta, sweet corn, vibrant pesto, savory chicken, caramelized onion, juicy nectarines, peppery fresh arugula, and a tangy balsamic glaze would meld so flawlessly. But trust me, this combination is pure pizza heaven – a delightful dance of sweet, savory, and fresh notes.
• The Irresistible Charm of Fresh Ricotta: I’ve developed a newfound adoration for ricotta on pizzas, and this recipe perfectly showcases why. Its light, creamy texture and mild flavor add a wonderful richness and moisture to each bite, balancing the more intense flavors. Even my husband, who generally isn’t a huge ricotta fan, absolutely loved it on this pizza. Don’t be shy with those generous dollops of ricotta!
• A Burst of Seasonal Freshness: This pesto arugula pizza is, of course, crowned with a generous pile of fresh arugula, lending its distinctive peppery kick just before serving. But the freshness doesn’t stop there. The inclusion of sweet, crisp corn and perfectly ripe, juicy nectarines introduces a refreshing, bright counterpoint to the savory elements, making every slice feel vibrant and alive. These seasonal ingredients are truly the perfect complement.
• The Essential Finish: Balsamic Glaze: The balsamic reduction is not merely an optional extra; it’s absolutely necessary! It transforms the pizza from great to extraordinary, adding a complex sweet and tangy depth that ties all the flavors together with a “finger-licking good” finish. It’s the perfect end note to this beautiful symphony of tastes.
• Easily Customizable and Versatile: While this specific combination is stellar, the recipe is also incredibly forgiving and adaptable. You can easily swap out fruits, adjust the protein, or experiment with different cheeses to match your dietary needs or flavor preferences, making it a versatile go-to for any occasion.
• Visually Stunning Presentation: Beyond its incredible taste, this pizza is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant green of the pesto and arugula, the golden hues of the chicken and corn, the creamy white of the ricotta, and the deep crimson of the balsamic glaze create a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress guests and make your pizza night feel extra special.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Pesto Arugula Pizza

Understanding each ingredient and its role is key to mastering this incredible pizza. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each component:

• Pizza Dough: A great pizza starts with great dough. My Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe is truly outstanding and highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. If time is a factor, feel free to use good quality store-bought pizza dough; just ensure it’s at room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
• Cooked Chicken Breast: For this recipe, cook and dice your chicken breast into small, manageable pieces. While grilled chicken adds a lovely smoky flavor, rotisserie chicken or even shredded canned chicken (well-drained) can be convenient alternatives. In my experience, freshly cooked and cubed chicken offers the most tender and flavorful results.
• Real Maple Syrup: This ingredient is a secret weapon, imparting a wonderfully sweet and slightly earthy maple flavor to the chicken and onion mixture. This subtle sweetness perfectly complements the savory and fresh elements of the pizza. If real maple syrup isn’t available, imitation maple syrup or honey can be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Nectarines: The star fruit of this pizza! Nectarines bring a unique sweetness and juiciness that beautifully contrasts with the savory components. Don’t feel limited, though; sliced fresh peaches or pears are fantastic substitutes and offer similar delightful textures and flavors.
• Arugula: The peppery, slightly bitter notes of fresh arugula are essential. It’s added fresh, just before serving, to maintain its vibrant color, crisp texture, and distinctive bite. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking – a generous handful or two is often perfect!
• Ricotta Cheese: Trust me on the ricotta! Its creamy, mild character creates delightful pockets of moisture and richness on the pizza, offering a pleasing textural contrast to the other toppings. It’s a key element in making this pesto arugula pizza so incredibly satisfying.
• Corn: Whether you opt for fresh corn cut off the cob (for the sweetest flavor), drained canned corn, or thawed frozen corn, this ingredient adds a burst of natural sweetness and a pleasant pop of texture. It’s a bright addition that enhances the overall fresh feel of the pizza.
• Basil Pesto: This forms the flavorful base of our pizza. A good quality basil pesto is crucial. You can use a high-quality store-bought pesto or, for an even fresher taste, make your own using my homemade basil pesto recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Pesto Arugula Pizza

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own gourmet pizza masterpiece at home:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to a scorching 450°F (230°C). Lightly brush a baking sheet with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set it aside. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, simply skip ahead to rolling it out. For those opting for homemade dough, follow the instructions in my homemade pizza dough recipe, allowing it to rise as directed.
2. Sauté the Chicken and Onion Mixture: In a medium sauté pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and translucent. Then, add the cooked and diced chicken, real maple syrup, chopped fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to warm through and allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set this savory mixture aside.

3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to achieve a thin crust, aiming for a diameter of about 14-15 inches. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto your prepared, olive-oil-brushed baking sheet. This thin crust will ensure a delightfully crispy base.
4. Apply Basil Pesto and Chicken Mixture: Evenly spread the basil pesto over the pizza dough, leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges for the crust. Next, distribute the cooked chicken and onion mixture evenly over the pesto base, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite.
5. Layer with Mozzarella, Corn, Nectarines, and Ricotta: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and pesto base. Then, artfully arrange the fresh corn kernels and thin slices of nectarines on top. Finally, dollop small, pleasing piles of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza. These pockets of creamy ricotta will melt into delicious bursts of flavor.

6. Bake and Finish the Pesto Arugula Pizza: Transfer the pizza to your preheated oven and bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven and desired crispness. Once perfectly baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately top with the fresh, peppery arugula, spreading it evenly. Finish by generously drizzling with balsamic glaze. Slice, serve immediately, and savor every incredible bite!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Pesto Arugula Pizza

Achieving a truly outstanding pizza requires a few key insights. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Pesto Arugula Pizza turns out perfectly every time:

• Mastering Your Balsamic Reduction: While store-bought balsamic glaze (often simply labeled “balsamic glaze”) is convenient, making your own balsamic reduction is surprisingly simple and yields incredible flavor. To do so, pour 1 cup of quality balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and let it reduce by half, which typically takes 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally. It will thicken considerably as it cools. Store any leftover homemade glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few weeks.
• Achieving Your Ideal Crust: I personally adore a nice thin crust pizza, which is why I roll my dough to about 14-15 inches in diameter. This results in a wonderfully crispy base. If you prefer a slightly thicker, chewier crust, simply roll the dough to a smaller diameter or a slightly thicker disk. Adjust baking time accordingly.
• Experiment with Fruits: While nectarines are a fantastic choice, don’t hesitate to get creative with the fruit! Fresh peaches, sweet pears, or even slightly tart fresh blackberries can offer delightful variations and complement the savory elements beautifully. Choose what’s in season for the freshest taste.
• Using a Pizza Stone for Superior Crispness: If you’re fortunate enough to own a pizza stone, it can drastically improve your crust. To prevent thermal shock and cracking, always place the pizza stone in a cold oven and allow it to preheat with the oven to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30-60 minutes. Prepare your pizza on a separate pizza peel (dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking) or parchment paper, then carefully slide it onto the hot stone. If transferring is tricky, you can assemble the pizza directly on the stone in a cold oven and then preheat, but this will extend your baking time.
• Don’t Overload the Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on all the delicious ingredients, resist the urge to overload your pizza. Too many toppings can lead to a soggy crust and uneven cooking. A balanced layer ensures everything cooks through beautifully and retains its distinct texture.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Pizza loves high heat! Baking at 450°F (230°C) ensures a quick bake, which helps the crust crisp up nicely and the toppings cook without drying out. Make sure your oven is fully preheated for the best results.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

Planning ahead can make pizza night even easier. Here’s how to manage your ingredients and leftovers:

• Pizza Dough: You can certainly make the pizza dough in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight, or even freeze it for longer storage. For detailed instructions on how to properly store and thaw your dough, refer to my comprehensive homemade pizza dough post.
• Leftover Pizza: Any leftover Pesto Arugula Pizza can be stored in an airtight container or a large Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, consider gently pulling off the arugula beforehand, as it tends to wilt and lose its appealing texture when warmed. Reheat slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or for a crispier crust, warm them in the oven or a toaster oven until heated through.

Pesto Arugula Pizza FAQs

Serving Suggestions for Your Gourmet Pizza

This Pesto Arugula Pizza with Balsamic Glaze is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side to complete the dining experience. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would complement its rich flavors without overpowering them. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a classic Caesar salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. A crisp, dry white wine or a light-bodied red wine would also be an excellent beverage pairing.

Explore More Delicious Pizza Recipes

If you’ve loved this unique pizza creation, be sure to check out some of my other favorite pizza recipes for your next culinary adventure:

• Blackberry Pizza
• Kale Pizza
• French Bread Pizza
• CPK Club Pizza
• Pumpkin Pizza
• Authentic Margherita Pizza