Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. The rich, creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken and perfectly cooked twisted pasta is just divine. Every bite is packed with luscious garlic flavor and that irresistible parmesan richness that makes your taste buds dance with joy. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family together and makes even the busiest weeknight feel special. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for cozy dinners. You won’t want to miss it!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to whip up this delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 2 chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and a tender bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and velvety. Trust me, don’t skimp on this!
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that creamy melt and sharp flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: This adds that fantastic aromatic punch we all love.
- 8 ounces twisted pasta: Twisted shapes like fusilli or cavatappi hold the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors!
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta! The best part? It’s easier than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Cooking the Twisted Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add in your twisted pasta—about 8 ounces should do the trick. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but keep a little pasta water on hand just in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Preparing the Chicken
Next up, let’s get our chicken ready! Season your two chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You want that nice, crispy exterior! Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Don’t worry, we’ll slice it up soon!
Making the Creamy Sauce
Now for the star of the show—our creamy sauce! In the same pan, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and then it’s time to add in that lovely 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s melted and smooth—this is where the magic happens! If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water.
Combining Ingredients
Finally, let’s bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss it gently to coat every twist in that deliciousness. Slice your chicken and lay it right on top of the pasta. For that extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Voilà! You’ve just created a comforting meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my best tips to ensure your creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta turns out perfectly every time! First up, don’t rush the chicken cooking process. Getting that golden brown crust is key, so give it the time it needs—about 5-7 minutes per side. If you’re using freshly grated parmesan, it melts better than pre-grated, which can sometimes be coated with anti-caking agents.
Also, when cooking your pasta, remember to salt the water generously; it makes a world of difference in flavor! And don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! It can help thin your sauce to the perfect consistency if it gets too thick. Finally, taste as you go—adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper so every bite is just right. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta! For a burst of freshness, try adding sautéed spinach or kale right into the sauce. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy goodness.
Feeling spicy? A pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh basil can elevate this dish to a whole new level! Or, if you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost. And for a different take, swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a delightful vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying your creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Just a heads up, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Generally, one serving contains around 600 calories, 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings while still being deliciously indulgent. Enjoy every creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While twisted pasta holds the sauce beautifully, you can use any pasta shape you love, like penne or bowtie. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh right before serving to keep it from getting mushy.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be a little less rich.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some sautéed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. They complement the creamy sauce perfectly!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta can be on the table in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious Flavors: The rich, creamy sauce combined with savory garlic and parmesan creates a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to resist.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s the ultimate cozy dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or when you need a little comfort.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or swap proteins, making it a flexible recipe for all taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of parmesan cheese, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Magic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken served with cheesy twisted pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces twisted pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well.
- Slice chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use grilled chicken for added flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy twisted pasta, chicken recipe, pasta recipe
