Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
A rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken layered over twisted pasta, coated in a smooth garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large fillets)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add Italian seasoning and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
Combining
- Add the cooked twisted pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat every piece.
- Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the creamy pasta. Spoon extra sauce on top for added richness.
Optional Broiling
- For a golden cheesy topping, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly over low heat with a splash of cream or milk. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. You can cook the chicken and pasta earlier in the day; just make the sauce fresh before combining. Pair it with garlic toast, steamed green beans, or a crisp house salad.