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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

creamy garlic parmesan chicken - featured image
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This comforting dinner features juicy, golden chicken and twisted pasta tossed in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 10 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Extra parmesan for serving (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and cream cheese is melted.
  6. Sprinkle in parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens, 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss in sliced chicken and shredded mozzarella. Stir gently until everything is coated and cheese melts.
  8. Let sit for 2 minutes off the heat for flavors to meld.
  9. Spoon into bowls or plates. Top with extra parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Undercook pasta by a minute for perfect texture when tossed in sauce. Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For gluten-free, use alternative pasta. For vegetarian, swap chicken for mushrooms or cauliflower and use veggie broth. Sauce can split if overheated—keep on gentle simmer and whisk constantly.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, rotini, fusilli, skillet chicken, one pan, kid friendly

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-recipe-with-cheesy-twisted-pasta-easy-dinner-idea/