If you crave a dish that feels just as luxe on a busy weeknight as it does for a special occasion, Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes is your new go-to. Picture golden chicken swimming in a rich, garlicky sauce clinging to velvety mushrooms, paired with crisp-roasted baby potatoes tossed in a fragrant basil pesto. It’s decadent, colorful, and utterly satisfying—exactly the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table (and has them swooning for seconds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a basket of simple, vibrant ingredients—each playing a starring role in the finished dish’s taste, texture, and irresistible aroma. Every step draws flavor from straightforward elements that transform into dinner magic.
- Chicken Breasts: Slicing them in half helps them cook evenly and soak up more of that creamy garlic sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: The essential seasoning duo that brings out all the natural flavors in your chicken and potatoes.
- Olive Oil: Used for both roasting potatoes and searing chicken, it adds subtle fruitiness and helps achieve crispy golden edges.
- Butter: A must for sautéing mushrooms and building creamy, rich flavor into your Alfredo sauce.
- Mushrooms: Their earthy, meaty texture is perfect for soaking up every savory, garlicky note of the sauce.
- Garlic: The aroma as it sizzles in the pan is like a dinner-time invitation awaiting everyone in your kitchen.
- Heavy Cream: The backbone of a lush, restaurant-style Alfredo sauce—don’t skimp!
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for sharp, creamy depth, and just the right touch of indulgence.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle nudge of heat if you like your Alfredo with an extra zing.
- Italian Seasoning: Herbs that give your sauce that classic, comforting Italian-American flavor.
- Baby Potatoes: Their small size and creamy centers roast up beautifully, providing the perfect crunchy-soft bite.
- Basil Pesto: Swirling with fresh herb flavor, it turns simple roasted potatoes into something spectacular.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes
Step 1: Roast the Baby Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss those little potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper—making sure each is well coated—and lay them out on a baking sheet. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates crisp, golden edges. Let them bake for 30 to 35 minutes until perfectly tender and deeply caramelized.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the potatoes roast, season your halved chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken on both sides until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. This step is all about locking in juices and building savory flavor that will meld seamlessly with the creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Don’t wash that skillet—use it to melt butter and sauté your sliced mushrooms for a rich, meaty base. Let them get nice and browned, then toss in the garlic for an aroma that signals something special is happening in your kitchen. Lower the heat, pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; stir until the sauce thickens into a dreamy Alfredo you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Step 4: Return Chicken & Finish the Sauce
Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and ensuring every piece gets a generous coating. The chicken will soak up some of the creamy garlic mushroom flavor, staying tender and juicy while the sauce mingles and thickens just a touch more.
Step 5: Toss Potatoes with Basil Pesto
Once your potatoes are perfectly roasted, toss them in a bowl with basil pesto. The heat of the potatoes intensifies the pesto aroma, and every bite grabs onto the sweet basil and garlicky kick. They’re now ready to be plated alongside the chicken for the full creamy garlic mushroom chicken Alfredo with basil pesto potatoes experience.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Serve each piece of chicken topped with mushrooms and smothered in Alfredo sauce. Pile on some gleaming pesto-coated potatoes, then sprinkle everything with fresh parsley for color and a burst of garden freshness. Step back and admire your restaurant-worthy creation before diving in.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes
Garnishes
For that little something extra, a handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the plate (and looks gorgeous against the golden sauce and green potatoes). Shavings of Parmesan or a fine drizzle of extra basil pesto also take things over the top—both in flavor and curb appeal!
Side Dishes
This dish is almost a meal in itself, but if you want to build a bigger spread, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon, or maybe a tangle of sautéed spinach for extra veg. Gentle sourdough or ciabatta makes a perfect partner to mop up the last drops of creamy garlic mushroom sauce and basil pesto.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, pile everything onto a big serving platter and let guests build their own plates. For a formal vibe, stack the chicken atop the creamy Alfredo-coated mushrooms, circle with pesto potatoes, and drizzle with a touch more sauce. If you’re planning a romantic dinner, split the plate for a gorgeous composed look—shareable, yet worthy of any special occasion. However you serve it, Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes is always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes store beautifully. Place any cooled chicken, sauce, and potatoes in separate airtight containers to keep the flavors distinct and fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to hold back on the potatoes (as they can get mushy once thawed). The chicken in its creamy mushroom sauce freezes well—just cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To gently reheat, use the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the Alfredo sauce as needed. If microwaving, cover the chicken and potatoes and reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring the sauce gently to avoid curdling. The potatoes can go in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain their exterior crispness.
FAQs
Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs add a bit more richness and stay super juicy. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs may take a couple of extra minutes per side.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
You can swap in coconut cream for the heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter! The sauce will be different but still luscious and packed with flavor.
What if I don’t have basil pesto on hand?
No worries—use homemade pesto from any herb or leafy green, like arugula or even spinach. Or toss the roasted potatoes in olive oil, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs for a simple, fragrant variation.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely. Baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes work especially well stirred into the mushroom sauce. For a heartier, veggie-packed dish, experiment with chopped zucchini or asparagus.
How do I get perfectly golden, crisp potatoes?
Spread the potatoes evenly on the baking sheet, cut side down, and don’t crowd the pan—this helps them roast instead of steam. Give them plenty of time to brown and flip halfway through for even crispness. Toss with pesto just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, utterly satisfying dish that feels both easy and impressive, give Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes a spot on your dinner table. The flavors are rich and layered, the process is simple, and the end result always delights. Trust me—this is one recipe you’ll come back to every time you want to make mealtime feel special!
PrintCreamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo with Basil Pesto Potatoes Recipe
Indulge in a decadent yet comforting meal with this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Alfredo served with flavorful Basil Pesto Potatoes. This dish combines tender chicken in a rich garlic cream sauce with savory mushrooms, paired with roasted baby potatoes tossed in fragrant basil pesto. A hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Basil Pesto Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for potatoes)
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and roast potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and tender.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and make sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and mushrooms. Sauté until browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and serve: Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Toss roasted potatoes with basil pesto. Plate chicken with sauce, top with mushrooms, and serve with pesto potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- You can substitute basil pesto with arugula or kale pesto if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 130mg