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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken served with cheesy twisted pasta. Juicy seared chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce that coats perfectly cooked rotini or fusilli pasta. This comforting one-skillet dinner combines savory herbs, sharp cheese, and tender pasta for an irresistible meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1¼ lb)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 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
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Pasta

  • 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
  • Salt, for pasta water

Instructions

  1. Prep and season chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
  2. Sear chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown on the outside and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest, keeping the juices sealed inside.
  3. Sauté garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  4. Build sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom to incorporate extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  5. Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  6. Combine: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while hot and creamy for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
  • Adjust pasta cooking time based on your texture preference but aim for al dente to prevent mushiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta perfectly.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken, cheesy pasta, twisted pasta recipe, chicken with cream sauce, easy dinner, one skillet meal

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-with-cheesy-twisted-pasta-recipe/