Chestnut garlic Greek chicken Alfredo with sage potatoes and mushroom basil pesto cream is a rich, multi-layered dish that brings together warm, earthy, and herbaceous flavors in one luxurious meal. With tender marinated chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, fragrant sage-roasted potatoes, and a mushroom-basil pesto twist, this dish feels like a gourmet experience right from my own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish balances bold and creamy components. The chestnut and garlic bring a nutty warmth to the chicken, while the Alfredo is silky and full of flavor. Roasted sage potatoes add comfort and a crispy edge, and the mushroom basil pesto gives the dish a savory, herb-forward finish. It’s a complete meal with layers of taste and texture that feel indulgent yet approachable.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken marinade:
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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Garlic (minced)
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Chestnut puree or finely chopped cooked chestnuts
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Greek yogurt
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Dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper
For the Alfredo sauce:
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Butter
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Garlic (minced)
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: pinch of nutmeg
For the mushroom basil pesto cream:
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Cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
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Fresh basil leaves
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Olive oil
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Garlic
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Parmesan cheese
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Pine nuts or walnuts
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Salt and pepper
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Splash of cream
For the sage potatoes:
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Red or Yukon gold potatoes (cubed)
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Olive oil
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Fresh sage leaves (chopped or whole)
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Salt and pepper
directions
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Marinate the Chicken: I combine yogurt, garlic, chestnut, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. I coat the chicken in the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
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Roast the Potatoes: I toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. I roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
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Cook the Chicken: I grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, then set it aside to rest.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce: I melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic, then stir in cream and simmer. I add Parmesan and whisk until smooth.
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Prepare the Mushroom Basil Pesto: I sauté mushrooms in olive oil until soft, then blend them with basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. I stir in a splash of cream for a silky texture.
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Assemble the Dish: I slice the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of Alfredo-coated pasta or sautéed greens. I add roasted sage potatoes on the side, then drizzle the mushroom basil pesto cream over the top or around the plate for a beautiful finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. I spend about 25–30 minutes prepping and about 45 minutes cooking everything, so the full meal comes together in around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the Alfredo for a lighter sauce made with Greek yogurt and broth, or use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a slightly sweeter twist. If I want a vegetarian version, I skip the chicken and serve the Alfredo pasta with extra mushrooms and potatoes tossed in pesto cream.
storage/reheating
I store each component separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and potatoes in the oven or a skillet and gently reheat the sauces on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen them. I avoid microwaving everything together to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the pesto cream ahead of time?
Yes, I make it up to two days in advance. It stays fresh in the fridge and tastes even better after the flavors meld.
What’s a good pasta for this dish?
I like using fettuccine or penne, but any pasta that holds sauce well works—especially ones with ridges or curls.
Can I use canned chestnuts?
Yes, I often use canned or vacuum-packed chestnuts for convenience. I chop or mash them before mixing into the marinade.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Definitely. I just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out if overdone.
What should I serve with this dish?
It’s a full meal on its own, but I sometimes add a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a fresh contrast.
Conclusion
Chestnut garlic Greek chicken Alfredo with sage potatoes and mushroom basil pesto cream is the kind of dish I make when I want something rich, hearty, and full of depth. The combination of textures and flavors—from creamy sauce to crispy potatoes and earthy pesto—makes every bite satisfying and memorable. It’s a cozy, elegant meal that always impresses.
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Chestnut Garlic Greek Chicken Alfredo with Sage Potatoes & Mushroom Basil Pesto Cream
Chestnut garlic Greek chicken Alfredo with sage potatoes and mushroom basil pesto cream is a gourmet-level meal with earthy, herby flavors. Marinated chicken meets creamy Alfredo pasta, crispy sage-roasted potatoes, and a silky mushroom-basil pesto cream in one indulgent, elegant plate.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- For the chicken marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chestnut puree or finely chopped cooked chestnuts
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Alfredo sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
- For the mushroom basil pesto cream:
- 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cream
- For the sage potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs red or Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine yogurt, chestnut, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roast the potatoes: Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear marinated chicken until browned and cooked through. Rest and slice.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then stir in cream. Simmer and whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add nutmeg if using.
- Prepare the pesto: Sauté mushrooms in olive oil. Blend with basil, garlic, Parmesan, nuts, and remaining olive oil. Stir in cream and season to taste.
- Assemble the dish: Serve sliced chicken over Alfredo pasta or greens. Add sage potatoes on the side. Drizzle mushroom pesto cream on top or around the plate.
Notes
- Use canned chestnuts for convenience.
- Sweet potatoes or Greek yogurt Alfredo can be used for variation.
- Prepare sauces and pesto in advance to save time.
- Store components separately and reheat gently to preserve textures.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Roasting, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 165mg