Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with rich flavors that just make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something hearty and satisfying, yet it comes together so easily! I love how the creamy sauce clings to the twisted pasta, coating each bite with garlicky goodness and that irresistible parmesan zing. And the tender chicken? It’s just the cherry on top! You’ll want to make this dish again and again, trust me. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family feast, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish together!
Ingredients List
To create this scrumptious creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy chunks in every bite.
- 8 oz twisted pasta, which adds a delightful texture that holds onto that creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, perfect for searing the chicken and adding richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced to infuse that aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream, making everything luxuriously creamy and decadent.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated for that cheesy goodness that melts into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Now, let’s get cooking! This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cooking the twisted pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for that extra flavor! Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside for later.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.
- Next, add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through.
- Now, here comes the aromatic part! Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—garlic can turn bitter quickly!
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine all those flavors. Let it bubble away for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into that creamy goodness. The sauce should be rich and luscious!
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that dreamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and voilà! You’ve got a comforting meal that’s ready to impress!
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy flavor that warms your soul.
- Easy to make in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting, satisfying dish that’s a hit with the whole family.
- Twisted pasta beautifully holds onto the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Versatile ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Great for meal prep or leftovers, tasting just as good the next day!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t rush the garlic: Keep an eye on it while sautéing. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish!
- Adjust the cream: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or even milk. Just know it’ll be less rich!
- Experiment with cheeses: While parmesan is a classic, adding a bit of mozzarella or even some cheddar can enhance the creaminess and flavor.
- Add veggies: Sneaking in some spinach or cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking can boost the dish with freshness and color!
- Save some pasta water: If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up while adding flavor.
Follow these tips, and you’re bound to impress everyone at the dinner table! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or simply want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to customize your creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta! Here are a few fun ideas:
- Different Pasta Shapes: While twisted pasta is fantastic, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand! Fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta work beautifully.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. They’ll add a lovely texture and flavor contrast!
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shrimp or even cooked sausage for a different spin. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Herb Enhancements: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant twist. Just stir them in right before serving for a burst of freshness!
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the garlic while sautéing for a spicy kick!
These variations keep the dish exciting and allow you to play with flavors based on what you have in your pantry!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of your creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta can be a delightful treat for the next day! To store, simply transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and refrigerate them. Make sure to do this within two hours of cooking to keep everything fresh and safe to eat.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, I recommend reheating them on the stovetop for the best texture. Just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the skillet to bring the sauce back to life while warming it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent splatters and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy every creamy bite again!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta, you can expect a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal with a little mindfulness about the balance of flavors and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing and cooking. You can even cook it straight from frozen, but it will take a bit longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the sauce might not be as thick and creamy, but it will still taste delicious!
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast as a parmesan substitute to keep that cheesy flavor!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare everything up to the point of combining the pasta with the sauce, then store it in the fridge. Just reheat on the stovetop and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve!
What sides go well with this dish?
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta. If you’re looking for a comforting soup, try Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is a comforting dish packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- This dish is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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: 150mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy twisted pasta
