Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken & Roasted Potatoes with Basil Pesto

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken & Roasted Potatoes with Basil Pesto is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together crispy herb-roasted potatoes, juicy chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce, and a drizzle of rich basil pesto cream. It’s a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elevated Comfort Food: Creamy chicken, roasted potatoes, and pesto make a gourmet yet approachable meal.

Full of Flavor: Garlic, herbs, mushrooms, and basil pesto deliver a dynamic flavor profile in every bite.

Balanced and Hearty: Combines protein, starch, and vegetables in one cohesive plate.

Customizable: You can swap ingredients or scale it up for gatherings with ease.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: The layers of sauce and textures give this meal a polished, chef-inspired feel.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup chicken broth

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Herb-Roasted Crispy Potatoes
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme

Salt & pepper to taste

Rich Basil Pesto Cream Sauce
2 tbsp basil pesto

2 tbsp Greek yogurt or heavy cream

1 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Splash of water or milk to thin if needed

Garnish
Fresh basil or parsley

Extra Parmesan

Crushed black pepper (optional)

Directions
Roast the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary (or thyme), salt, and pepper.

Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Cook the Chicken and Mushrooms:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and sear on both sides until golden (4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté mushrooms until tender and browned.

Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer.

Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Make the Basil Pesto Cream Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt (or heavy cream), and Parmesan.

Add a splash of water or milk to reach your desired drizzle consistency.

Assemble the Plate:
Plate a portion of crispy roasted potatoes.

Add the creamy garlic mushroom chicken alongside.

Drizzle generously with basil pesto cream sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 2

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving

Variations
Swap the Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or fingerlings for a twist.

Add Greens: Serve with sautéed spinach or steamed green beans for a complete meal.

Make It Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or seared cauliflower steaks.

Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Add Spice: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Not recommended for the cream-based sauce, which may separate.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply skip the searing step and warm the chicken in the sauce until heated through.

What’s the best mushroom variety to use?
Cremini and button mushrooms are ideal, but you can also use shiitake or baby bellas for deeper flavor.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the potatoes and prepare the sauce in advance, then assemble and reheat before serving.

Is the basil pesto sauce essential?
It adds richness and brightness, but the dish is still flavorful without it.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free pesto and cheese substitutes.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy and herby elements.

Can I double the recipe for guests?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients and use a larger skillet or baking sheet.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if all packaged items (like broth and pesto) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add onions or other vegetables?
Absolutely—caramelized onions, spinach, or roasted bell peppers would be excellent additions.

How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer or add a touch more Parmesan to help thicken the consistency.

Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken & Roasted Potatoes with Basil Pesto is a flavorful, well-rounded meal that delivers both comfort and sophistication. With crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and indulgent sauces, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special evening in, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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