Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
If you are craving a dish that is rich, comforting, and loaded with flavor, then you absolutely have to try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce that hugs every twist and turn of perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels fancy enough for special occasions but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Every bite delivers an indulgent balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a fresh pop of parsley that keeps it from feeling too heavy. Once you make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta, it will remind you why simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can result in pure magic on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make this meal unforgettable. Fresh garlic provides a punch of aromatic intensity, while butter and olive oil create a rich cooking base. Parmesan cheese and heavy cream come together for that irresistible creamy coating, and the twisted pasta captures every bit of sauce perfectly. Plus, fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose good quality chicken for the best tenderness and flavor; thighs work well too if you prefer juicier meat.
- 12 oz twisted pasta: Rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi are ideal as their grooves trap sauce beautifully.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps develop a golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents it from burning during searing.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory kick that is essential for the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds depth in the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
- 1¼ cups heavy cream: Gives the sauce that silky, luscious texture.
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, offering nuttiness and richness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens and freshens the final dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step ensures a beautiful, crisp sear instead of steaming the meat. Then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper to build foundational seasoning that enhances every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 °F). Once perfectly seared, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest to retain its juices.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. This quick step unlocks the deep, aromatic flavors that make the sauce so irresistible.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan—it’s pure flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is silky smooth and velvety, about 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Twisted Pasta
While the sauce simmers, boil the twisted pasta in salted water until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water; this starchy liquid is a secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency later and ensure it clings perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat every twist of pasta in the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant green color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, consider sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese or a few chili flakes for subtle heat. A wedge of lemon on the side can brighten the richness if someone prefers a touch of acidity. Finish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil to add a silky gloss.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so pairing it with something light and crisp works beautifully. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli adds texture contrast and freshness. Garlic bread also makes a comforting accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, bake the sauced chicken and pasta mixture in individual ramekins topped with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust. Alternatively, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of pasta ribbons or spiralized vegetables if you want a lower-carb version. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-style presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta should stay delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before storing to maintain sauce quality.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for optimal flavor. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of milk or cream if it looks too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and a great alternative if you want a slightly richer meat. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and offers the perfect nutty flavor. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the twisted pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce and chicken remain just as delicious without gluten.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the cheese. For a thinner sauce, stir in reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken broth gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You can substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to achieve a cheesy flavor, though the taste and texture will differ.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting masterpiece that brings together tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly sauced pasta in one unforgettable dish. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy dinner at home or when impressing friends. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with all the creamy, cheesy goodness packed into every bite!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked twisted pasta. This dish combines savory flavors with creamy textures, making it a perfect dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or about 1¼ lb chicken thighs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep and Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 more minutes. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- 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. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- If chicken thighs are used, adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may need a bit longer.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing, simmering, boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken breast with pasta)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: garlic Parmesan chicken, creamy chicken pasta, twisted pasta recipe, cheesy chicken pasta, one pan chicken dinner
