Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Pesto-Roasted Potatoes
Indulge in a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bursting with rich, savory flavors and comforting textures! This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes is a culinary masterpiece, blending tender, garlicky chicken bites in a velvety mushroom Alfredo sauce with golden, crispy potatoes kissed with herbaceous basil pesto. The dish is elevated further with a luscious drizzle of pesto-infused Alfredo cream, making every bite an explosion of umami, creaminess, and aromatic delight. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Garlic-Marinated Chicken in Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
- 10 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced (substitute with button or shiitake mushrooms if desired)
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
For the Crispy Basil Pesto Roasted Potatoes:
- 2 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 lb), diced into ½-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons high-quality basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, and rosemary blend)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Luxurious Mushroom Alfredo Pesto Cream:
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons reserved mushroom Alfredo sauce (from the chicken)
- 1 ½ tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate and Sear the Chicken
Begin by preparing the star of the dish: the garlic-marinated chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to ensure every piece is coated in this aromatic marinade. Let the chicken sit for 10–15 minutes to soak up the flavors (or up to 30 minutes in the fridge for deeper infusion).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, then add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Craft the Creamy Mushroom Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. The mushrooms will add an earthy depth to the sauce.
Pour in 1 ¾ cups of heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the flavorful mushroom bits. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the luscious sauce. Reduce the heat to low to keep the dish warm while you prepare the potatoes and finishing sauce.
Step 3: Roast the Basil Pesto Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, toss the diced Yukon Gold potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, basil pesto, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the vibrant green pesto and fragrant herbs.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap to ensure maximum crispiness. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside with a tender, fluffy interior. The aroma of garlic and pesto will fill your kitchen, signaling that these potatoes are ready to steal the show!
Step 4: Create the Luxurious Mushroom Alfredo Pesto Cream
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm ⅓ cup of heavy cream. Add 3 tablespoons of the reserved mushroom Alfredo sauce from the chicken skillet, followed by 1 ½ tablespoons of basil pesto and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk gently until the sauce is silky and well-combined, about 2–3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. This decadent drizzle adds an extra layer of richness and ties the dish together beautifully.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
To assemble this indulgent meal, divide the crispy basil pesto roasted potatoes among plates or shallow bowls, creating a golden bed for the main event. Spoon the creamy garlic mushroom Alfredo chicken over the potatoes, ensuring each plate gets a generous portion of the velvety sauce and tender chicken. Finish by drizzling the luxurious mushroom Alfredo pesto cream over the top, letting it cascade over the dish for a stunning presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a dusting of extra Parmesan for a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few thoughtful pairings:
- Side Salad: A crisp arugula or mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the earthy mushrooms and herbaceous pesto.
Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavor. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Mushroom Variations: Experiment with a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or portobello for a more complex flavor profile.
- Pesto Options: If basil pesto isn’t your favorite, try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a unique twist.
- Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or use a low-fat cream cheese in the sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Pesto-Roasted Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of tender, garlic-infused chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a decadent Alfredo sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The crispy, pesto-coated potatoes add a delightful crunch and herbaceous brightness, while the finishing drizzle of pesto cream elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe delivers on every front.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for pan-seared tofu or extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth to thin the sauce if needed.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle mozzarella or gouda over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with roasted cauliflower or zucchini for a keto-friendly twist.
A Personal Touch
This recipe was inspired by my love for creamy, comforting dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. I remember the first time I paired pesto-roasted potatoes with a classic Alfredo—it was a game-changer! The addition of the mushroom pesto cream drizzle came from a happy kitchen experiment, and it’s now a staple in my home. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!
Hashtags: #CreamyChickenAlfredo #MushroomAlfredo #PestoPotatoes #ComfortFood #GourmetDinner #EasyDinnerRecipes
