This creamy garlic parmesan chicken paired with cheesy twisted pasta is a match made in heaven! It’s rich, cheesy, and makes for a cozy dinner everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I mean, if you don’t have any leftovers, you might just cry a little. 😅 I like to add a sprinkle of parsley on top for that fancy touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this recipe due to its quick cooking time. You can swap it with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, which adds more flavor and remains juicy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor! If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but use less—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parm is essential for the creamy texture and flavor. Grana Padano is a perfect alternative if you’re looking for something similar, while nutritional yeast could work as a dairy-free option.
Pasta: Twisted pasta shapes like fusilli hold sauce beautifully. If you want a gluten-free option, use rice or chickpea pasta instead. Just check the cooking time as it might differ.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk but the sauce will be less creamy. Non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream can also work well!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Follow these steps:
- Set your skillet to medium-high heat; this allows for a nice sear.
- Don’t crowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside!
What’s the Best Way to Create a Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce requires a few simple techniques:
- After cooking the chicken, don’t rush to clean the pan. Those browned bits add flavor to your sauce!
- When adding heavy cream, reduce the heat to medium to prevent it from boiling, which can cause it to separate.
- Whisk the sauce continuously while adding cheese. This helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping.
Following these tips will help you create an amazing creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta that’s sure to impress!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Twisted Pasta:
- 12 ounces twisted pasta (corkscrew fusilli or gemelli)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup milk or pasta cooking water (optional, for creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting the ingredients ready and then around 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the twisted pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s nice and al dente. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta but reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water if you want it creamier. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps them brown better! Then, season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty brown bits at the bottom.
5. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens nicely.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to spoon some of that delicious sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3 minutes to meld those fantastic flavors.
7. Prepare the Cheesy Pasta:
While the chicken is simmering, take another pan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if you want it creamier. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to eat! Plate the cheesy twisted pasta and top it with the creamy garlic parmesan chicken. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for that extra touch!
9. Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s hot and crispy! This dish is comforting and delicious, with a perfect balance of creamy garlic sauce and cheesy pasta. Your taste buds will thank you!
This recipe stands out as a satisfying and elegant option for dinner, and it’s super easy to prepare. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. Once thawed, pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor, and make sure your pasta and chicken broth are also dairy-free.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
While twisted pasta like corkscrew fusilli or gemelli works perfectly for this dish, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you enjoy, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
