Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts served alongside twisted pasta coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella or cheddar and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce seasoning)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously as it begins to simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and allow it to melt fully into the sauce.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them atop or alongside the cheesy twisted pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For best results, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Feel free to use any twisted pasta shape such as rotini or fusilli.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh pop of flavor and color.
