Let me tell you, there’s something so comforting about a big bowl of twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and parmesan cream! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends; the aroma of garlic and honey filled my kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s a total crowd-pleaser! The creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta, while the sweetness of honey beautifully balances the savory chicken. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a lovely weekend treat. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Prepare *Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream*
Cooking the Pasta
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I like to add a generous pinch of salt; it really helps flavor the pasta. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the 8 oz of twisted pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. You want it slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue cooking a bit when you mix it with the sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Sautéing the Chicken
Now, let’s move on to the chicken! In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in your diced chicken breast. Make sure to season it with salt and pepper; this is where the flavor starts! Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. You want that nice golden color for extra flavor—it’ll make your dish look and taste amazing!
Making the Sauce
With the chicken ready, it’s time to make the sauce. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup of honey to the skillet with the chicken. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing those aromatic flavors to meld. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a creamy, luscious sauce. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and velvety—trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Combining Everything
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked twisted pasta right into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss it all together with enthusiasm, ensuring every twist of pasta gets coated in that creamy goodness. I like to let it cook for another minute or so to really marry those flavors. Once plated, don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy your delicious creation while it’s hot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Irresistible flavor combination of sweet honey and savory garlic that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Creamy parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to every twist of pasta for a satisfying bite.
- Versatile dish that you can easily adapt with different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as delicious the next day!
- A true crowd-pleaser; it’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
- Comfort food at its best—every bite feels like a warm hug!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and parmesan cream turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Always choose fresh chicken and high-quality parmesan cheese—trust me, it makes a difference! Grating your cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated will give you a creamier sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When sautéing the chicken, let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. This helps develop a nice golden crust, adding tons of flavor!
- Taste as You Go: After adding the honey and garlic, give it a taste! You might want to adjust the sweetness or add a pinch more salt. Cooking is all about finding the right balance for your palate.
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. If it’s too soft, it can become mushy when mixed with the sauce. And don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water—it can help loosen the sauce if needed!
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a change!
- Finishing Touches: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully. And don’t skimp on the parsley garnish; it adds a lovely fresh note!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up a dish that’s not only delicious but also perfectly tailored to your taste. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to modify this twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and parmesan cream! Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Shrimp Delight: Swap out the chicken for shrimp! Just sauté the shrimp in the olive oil until they’re pink and opaque. They cook much faster, so keep an eye on them, about 3-5 minutes should do the trick!
- Tofu Twist: For a vegetarian option, use diced firm tofu. Sauté it until it’s golden and crispy before adding the garlic and honey. It’s a great way to add protein without meat!
- Veggie-Packed: Throw in some colorful vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Add them in just after the chicken is cooked, letting them soften slightly before adding the sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh basil or thyme can bring a whole new flavor profile to the dish. Just stir them in right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic and honey. This adds a wonderful depth and a little zing!
- Cheesy Goodness: Try substituting half of the parmesan with crumbled feta for a tangy twist. It’s a delightful change that adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! Cooking is all about creativity, so let your taste buds guide you to your perfect version of this dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and parmesan cream, and now you have some leftovers—lucky you! To store them properly, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh and ready for your next meal! You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!
When it comes time to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key to keeping all those lovely flavors intact. I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of milk or some reserved pasta water to help loosen up the sauce, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a rush, you can pop it in the microwave—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short intervals (about 1 minute at a time), stirring in between to ensure even warming.
And voilà! Your tasty dish will be just as comforting and creamy as the first time around. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this scrumptious twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and parmesan cream! I always find it helpful to know what I’m enjoying, so here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 40g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredient values and can vary based on specific brands or any adjustments you make. But overall, it’s a hearty meal packed with protein and satisfying flavors. Enjoy knowing what you’re indulging in with each creamy, delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While twisted pasta is perfect for this dish, you can easily swap it for any pasta shape you love—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes can vary!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately from the cooked pasta. Just combine everything right before serving, and you’ll have a delicious meal that feels fresh and quick, even on a busy night!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, adding red pepper flakes is a great way to kick things up a notch! Stir them in along with the garlic and honey for a nice spicy flavor boost. You could also consider some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.
To learn more about the nutritional value of honey, check out NCBI.
Print
Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream Joy!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and parmesan cream is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken, rich cream, and pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and honey to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: twisted pasta, honey garlic chicken, parmesan cream
