AMAZING CHICKEN BASIL CREAM SAUCE

Imagine tender chicken breasts, pan-seared to golden perfection, swimming in a luscious, fragrant pool of cream, garlic, and fresh basil that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. This Chicken Basil Cream Sauce recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant. I promise, you’ll be making this one again and again!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Spinach, fresh or frozen
• Mushrooms, sliced

Let’s Talk Chicken: Choosing the Right Cut

Okay, friend, let’s get real about the chicken. I always prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this Chicken Basil Cream Sauce because they cook quickly and evenly. But hey, if you’re a fan of chicken thighs, go for it! Just keep in mind they’ll take a bit longer to cook through. And here’s a little secret: pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook super fast and ensures they’re nice and tender. No one wants dry, rubbery chicken, am I right?

Basil Bliss: Fresh vs. Dried

Basil is the star of this show, and fresh basil is *definitely* the way to go. The flavor is just so much brighter and more vibrant than dried basil. But I get it, sometimes you’re in a pinch. If you absolutely have to use dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon and add it earlier in the cooking process to let it rehydrate and release its flavor. Pro tip: To keep your fresh basil from turning black, chop it right before adding it to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook the Chicken:

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Make the Cream Sauce:

5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
7. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor!
8. Bring the broth to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
9. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
10. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

11. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet with the cream sauce.
12. Spoon the Chicken Basil Cream Sauce over your favorite pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great!) or serve it with rice or mashed potatoes.
13. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Troubleshooting Your Cream Sauce: No More Stress!

Cream sauces can be a little finicky, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help it thicken up.
• Sauce is too thick: Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
• Sauce is curdling: This usually happens when the sauce is heated too quickly or over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream. Be patient and it should come back together.
• Sauce is bland: Add more salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.

Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

This Chicken Basil Cream Sauce is delicious as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch!

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Lemon-Garlic: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and an extra clove of garlic to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in about 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

If you’re looking for some side dish inspiration, a simple Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Cream Sauce would pair perfectly. Or how about a Chicken Pot Pie Pasta for a comforting meal? For a different flavor profile, consider Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. And if you are looking for something totally different, try this Cheesy Dynamite Chicken Buns recipe! For a lighter dish, try Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili! Another delicious dish is Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!

This Chicken Basil Cream Sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways!

• Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta shape (fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or linguine all work well).
• Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Vegetables: Serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious cream sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Chicken Basil Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it or the sauce may curdle.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Every Bite!

There you have it – my foolproof Chicken Basil Cream Sauce recipe! I truly believe you’ll love how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking, my friend!