Chicken and Basil Pepper Cream Sauce

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Chicken and Basil Pepper Cream Sauce, a show-stopping dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a luxuriously creamy sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. The addition of fresh basil and crushed black pepper infuses the dish with vibrant herbaceous notes and a gentle kick of spice, elevating its complexity. Ready in just 40 minutes, this elegant yet simple meal pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it a versatile choice for any table. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly creamy, this recipe will be your new go-to for effortless sophistication in the kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 1.5 teaspoons crushed black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thinning sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of crushed black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 7

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Serve the chicken smothered in the basil pepper cream sauce. Pair with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1331.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2985.9

Total Fat 190.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 94.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 969.2mg	0%
Sodium 5043.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g	0%
Total Sugars 0.4g
Protein 264.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1489.2mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 429.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.9%

Protein: 36.9%

Carbs: 3.2%