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Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is my go-to comfort dinner when I want something extra decadent yet simple enough for a weeknight. The combination of tender chicken, a rich, garlicky cream sauce, and plenty of melted cheese wrapped around spiraled pasta always hits the spot. When I first made this, we could not stop eating it straight from the pan with big smiles all around.
The first time I made this, it was a dreary rainy day and the kitchen smelled amazing for hours. Now my family begs for cheesy pasta chicken anytime comfort food is needed.
Ingredients
- Twisted pasta: Brings texture and holds the sauce beautifully; try to buy a bronze-cut variety for better grip
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cook up juicy and slice easily for quick cooking; look for plump, moist fillets
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and building flavor; choose extra virgin for its robust taste
- Butter: Brings rich flavor and helps brown both chicken and garlic; use good quality unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic: Essential for deep savoriness; use plump cloves and mince just before cooking
- Italian seasoning: Offers a balanced herb base; oregano, basil, and thyme lift the sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Give a gentle kick; only if you like a touch of warmth
- Salt and black pepper: Key for seasoning every layer; opt for flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Heavy cream: Core for silky richness; double-check the date for freshest taste
- Chicken broth: Balances cream and brings savory depth; choose low sodium so you control saltiness
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the base sauce; grate your own for smoothest texture
- Cream cheese: Delivers extra creaminess and a gentle tang; go for block style
- Mozzarella cheese: Gets perfectly gooey and stringy; whole milk variety melts best
- Fresh parsley: For garnish adds a bright note and lovely contrast to the creamy pasta; get a bunch that looks vibrant and crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Twisted Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of heavily salted water and add your twisted pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente so it still has bite, about a minute less than the package says. Drain well and hold back a little pasta water in a mug to use if you want to thin the sauce later.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Slice your chicken breasts into even thin strips. Sprinkle with plenty of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper, if desired. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add chicken and sauté. Stir occasionally until chicken is deeply golden on the outside and cooked through. This takes about five to six minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Turn the heat down to medium and melt two tablespoons of butter in your pan. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture and let it gently bubble for three to four minutes until it lightly thickens, giving you a sweet-smelling base.
- Melt in the Cheeses:
- Add Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella to the simmering sauce. Stir slowly and steadily as the cheeses melt and blend into a velvety cream. Adjust the thickness with a tiny bit of your reserved pasta water if it gets too thick. You want the sauce to cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Coat Chicken and Pasta in Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet over medium-low. Toss everything gently so every piece of pasta and chicken is enveloped in cheese sauce. Simmer for another two to three minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Finish with lots of chopped parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan. Serve hot and bubbly for the ultimate cozy dinner.
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Parmesan is my favorite part because it melts so silky and tastes nutty and intense. I remember grating mountains of cheese as a kid for my mom’s pasta night and that scent fills my kitchen every time I cook this dish. It is a memory and flavor rolled into one bowl.
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool before storing them in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. This pasta reheats best with a splash of milk or chicken broth on the stove over gentle heat to loosen the sauce. Cream cheese and mozzarella can make the sauce thick after cooling, but the extra moisture fixes it right up.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you run out of rotini, try penne or farfalle as both hold sauce well. For the chicken, thighs work great if you like richer flavor. Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese can lighten it without sacrificing creaminess. For vegans, use coconut cream, dairy-free cheese, and chickpea pasta. The sauce adapts to different cheeses such as asiago or fontina for a unique spin.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or serve alongside garlicky steamed broccoli. Garlic bread mops up the extra sauce beautifully. For date nights, fancy things up with a chilled glass of white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. When I want to stretch this meal, I toss in baby spinach or peas at the end for color and nutrients.
Cultural Twist
This twist on classic Alfredo leans into Italian-American comfort food with an extra-cheesy spin. The garlic and herb blend nods to Italian pantry basics while the cream cheese and mozzarella turn the sauce extra velvety. I love how this recipe blends old-school tradition and modern richness in every bite.
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This dish is the perfect comfort meal to warm your soul without taking up too much time in the kitchen. It is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short, sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni works well to hold the creamy sauce and cheeses.
- → Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of cream if needed.
- → Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely. Try shrimp, turkey strips, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- → How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
Add cheeses gradually over low heat and stir until fully melted and smooth for a creamy sauce.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread complement the creamy flavors perfectly.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Simply add more or less crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, or omit entirely.