Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
A deliciously creamy and cheesy garlic Parmesan chicken served over twisted pasta, combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce for a hearty and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let it rest before slicing into strips.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top and stir gently until the cheese melts into a rich, creamy consistency.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy cheesy pasta and top with the sliced garlic Parmesan chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
- Adding Italian herbs is optional but adds an aromatic element; oregano, basil, or thyme work well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic in the sauce.
- Ensure to not overcook the pasta to keep it al dente and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Cheesy Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Twisted Pasta Recipe, Italian Chicken Dinner