with Crispy Parmesan-Garlic Potatoes & Fig-Balsamic Mushroom Pesto

A gourmet Mediterranean-meets-Italian indulgence bursting with sweet, savory, creamy, and herbaceous notes.

👩‍🍳 Serves: 2–3

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus marination)
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

🐔 Garlic-Herb Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch cutlets or strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried) 🌿
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 2–3 minutes per side, or 5–7 minutes total for strips, until cooked through and charred. Set aside.

🥔🧀 Crispy Parmesan-Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

🍄🧀🌿🍇 Creamy Mushroom Pesto Alfredo with Fig-Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves 🌿 (optional, for pesto effect)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 2–3 tbsp fig jam (or 2 tbsp finely chopped dried figs) 🍇
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 4 oz crumbled feta cheese 🧀 (for topping)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms and garlic for 5–7 minutes, until browned and tender.
2. (Optional pesto-style): Pulse mushrooms, garlic, and basil in a food processor until rough-chopped, then return to skillet.
3. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
4. Add fig jam and balsamic glaze. Whisk until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.

🍽️ Assembly & Finish:

1. Divide the crispy roasted potatoes between plates.
2. Layer with grilled garlic-herb chicken.
3. Generously spoon over the creamy fig-balsamic mushroom Alfredo sauce.
4. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta.
5. Serve hot and savor the rich harmony of flavors.

💡 Tips for Success:

• Balsamic Glaze: Simmer balsamic vinegar until thickened, or use store-bought for ease.
• Fig Jam: Use high-quality jam or soften chopped dried figs in the sauce for a rich, sweet depth.
• Chicken Juiciness: Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
• Potato Perfection: Single-layer roasting = maximum crispiness.
• Sauce Adjustments: Thin with broth or milk if needed; taste and balance saltiness with the sweet fig glaze.

✨ A luxurious dish for special evenings or impressing guests—this Mediterranean-inspired Alfredo with sweet, tangy, and umami notes will leave a lasting impression.