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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Easy Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

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This comforting recipe features juicy chicken in a silky garlic parmesan sauce, served over cheesy twisted pasta. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 12 ounces twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or gemelli)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add twisted pasta and cook until al dente (9–11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Sprinkle in parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until cheese melts and sauce thickens (about 3 minutes). Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed. Season to taste.
  7. Return drained pasta to its pot. Toss with melted butter, mozzarella, parmesan, and a splash of pasta water until cheese is melted and pasta is glossy.
  8. Slice chicken into strips or chunks. Add to skillet with sauce, stirring gently to coat.
  9. Serve cheesy twisted pasta on plates, top with saucy chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  10. Optional: Grate extra parmesan over each serving. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta and swap flour for cornstarch. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan parmesan. Let cheese come to room temp before adding to sauce for smoothness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness. Add veggies like spinach or peas for variation. Leftovers taste even better as flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, twisted pasta, fusilli, rotini, parmesan sauce, skillet chicken

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