Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cozy nights when you want something indulgent yet super easy to whip up. The first time I made this dish, I was just looking for a quick dinner, and boy, was I surprised by how rich and flavorful it turned out! The tender chicken, combined with that luscious, creamy sauce and those delightful twisted pasta shapes, makes every bite a little slice of heaven. What I absolutely love is how the garlic and parmesan dance together to create a comforting flavor that feels both gourmet and homey at the same time. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 cups twisted pasta (like fusilli or cavatappi)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Cooking the Twisted Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—trust me, it makes a difference! Once it’s bubbling, toss in your twisted pasta. You’ll want to cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and taste a piece a minute or two before the timer goes off; you want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. When it’s perfect, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! The starchy coating helps the sauce cling better.
Preparing the Chicken
Now, let’s turn our attention to the chicken. Season those chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—don’t be shy, this is where the flavor starts! Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, gently place the chicken in the pan. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know they’re ready when they have that lovely golden crust and are no longer pink in the middle. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while we make the sauce.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add your minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Now, pour in that luscious heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and watch the magic happen as it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and velvety. If it feels too thick, just splash in a little bit more cream to get the consistency you love!
Combining Everything
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the pasta. Toss everything together in that beautiful creamy sauce until everything is well coated. Serve it hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for that cheesy finish! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic and parmesan flavor.
- Comforting and satisfying, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Cheesy twisted pasta that beautifully captures the sauce in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To elevate your creamy garlic parmesan chicken, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor! If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Don’t hesitate to play around with the cheese—mix in some mozzarella for that extra gooeyness! And remember, if you’re not a fan of twisted pasta, any pasta shape will work, just aim for something that captures that creamy sauce beautifully. Finally, keep tasting as you go; it’s the best way to ensure your dish is just right!
Variations on Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
One of the best parts about this creamy garlic parmesan chicken is how easy it is to mix things up! For a burst of color and nutrition, try tossing in some fresh spinach or kale right before you combine everything. They’ll wilt beautifully in that creamy sauce! If you’re craving a little sweetness, sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tang and depth of flavor. Want to take it up a notch? Consider adding cooked bacon or diced ham for a smoky twist. You could even swap out the chicken for shrimp or scallops if you’re in the mood for seafood! And for a little extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Each serving of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta contains about 600 calories, 35 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. It also has 2 grams of sugar and 600 mg of sodium. This dish is a satisfying option that balances richness with comfort, perfect for those nights when you want something truly delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just reheat everything gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a blend of Greek yogurt and a bit of milk for a creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before adding the cream.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and cheesy pasta are usually a hit with kids. You can even let them help with stirring the pasta—fun and delicious!
What type of pasta works best?
While I love twisted pasta for its ability to hold the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Delight
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken served with cheesy twisted pasta.
Ingrédients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups twisted pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil water and cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Combine with pasta and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or cheese.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 120mg
Mots-clés: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy twisted pasta
