Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce brightened with sharp Parmesan cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked twisted pasta that captures every bit of that sauce. It’s comfort food with an elegant twist, so simple yet irresistibly flavorful, making it your next go-to meal for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta lies in its uncomplicated ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the sharpness of fresh garlic and the creaminess of heavy cream to the bite of Parmesan and the texture of the twisted pasta shape, these components come together to create pure harmony on your plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed for juicy, flavorful meat that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi): These spiral shapes are perfect for grabbing every bit of sauce with each forkful.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken without burning your butter.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: The heart of the dish’s flavor, offering that wonderful aromatic kick.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the savory depth in the sauce while deglazing the pan for extra flavor.
- 1¼ cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base that coats the chicken and pasta evenly.
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the dish with sharp, nutty notes and thickens the sauce splendidly.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all flavors and balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous contrast and a pop of color at the finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start with patting your chicken dry to ensure a nice sear and then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is all it takes to highlight the juicy chicken that’s central to the dish’s flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil along with a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a spacious skillet. When the butter foams, add your chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they turn golden and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest so the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just about 30 seconds until you smell that irresistible fragrant aroma. This step unlocks the garlic’s sweet, mellow flavor without burning it.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — that’s pure flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens a bit. Then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety, cooking for another couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready for the pasta and chicken to join this dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Twisted Pasta
While the sauce simmers, boil your twisted pasta in salted water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining — this starchy liquid will help you adjust the sauce consistency later, making everything cling beautifully together.
Step 6: Combine and Toss Everything Together
Slice the rested chicken into thick strips and return them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything to coat in the luxurious sauce. If it feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it all up and create a silky finish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Your Masterpiece
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lively flavor and a burst of green that brightens this indulgent dish. Serve it hot and watch your family or guests dive in happily.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you can also sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper, a little extra Parmesan, or even some toasted pine nuts for added crunch and an elegant flair. These small additions turn a comforting meal into a true centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness of the sauce. A simple garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more sophisticated presentation, serve the pasta nest under the chicken slices with the sauce spooned artistically around the plate. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle finely chopped herbs. Mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls also add a charming homemade feel to your serving style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, freeze the chicken and pasta separately. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for optimal freshness. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more fat and richness, making the dish even juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Twisted pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi are ideal because their spirals trap the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. However, penne or shells also work in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit challenging since Parmesan and cream are key to the dish’s signature texture and flavor. You could try dairy-free cream substitutes and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, but the experience will differ.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned easily. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and the chicken’s tenderness.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a little longer to reduce it. For a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water or a splash of broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is truly one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting, yet surprisingly easy to whip up on any night of the week. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a family favorite you return to time and again. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, seared chicken breasts with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked twisted pasta. The creamy sauce, infused with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese, coats the pasta and chicken beautifully, making it an irresistible meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1¼ lb chicken thighs as an alternative)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided into 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp)
Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep and season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor and ensure a tasty sear.
- Sear chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to brown it, to develop the base flavor of the sauce.
- Build sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet to add depth of flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 more minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the twisted pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening to the desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta hot, enjoying rich flavors and comforting textures.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy twisted pasta, rotini pasta recipe, garlic chicken dinner, easy creamy pasta, weeknight chicken recipes
