Description: Indulge in this comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips smothered in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked, cheesy twisted pasta. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Β½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Β½ cup chicken broth
- 1 Β½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Β½ cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving:
- 12 oz twisted pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Pasta Preparation
Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a rolling boil. This salted water is essential for seasoning the pasta from the inside out as it cooks. The salt also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli work exceptionally well) to the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the “al dente” stage. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm but not crunchy, offering a slight resistance when bitten into. This texture is crucial for the overall enjoyment of the dish, as it provides a pleasant contrast to the creamy sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, carefully drain it in a colander. It is vital to reserve about Β½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be a lifesaver in achieving the perfect sauce consistency later on. The starch in the pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and create a beautiful emulsion, ensuring that the sauce clings to the pasta perfectly. Set the drained pasta aside.
Step 2: Chicken Preparation
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips. Cutting the chicken into strips ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly, and it also makes it easier to incorporate into the pasta dish. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and season them generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. The Italian seasoning adds a complex blend of herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken, while the crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat that balances the richness of the sauce. Make sure the chicken strips are evenly coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this will help to sear the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165Β°F (74Β°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the chicken’s doneness. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Base
Using the same skillet (this will save on dishes and allow the chicken flavors to infuse into the sauce), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. SautΓ© the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly softened, but be careful not to brown it. Burnt garlic can become bitter and ruin the flavor of the sauce. SautΓ©ing the garlic releases its aromatic oils, creating a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter base. Stir the mixture well to combine, ensuring that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the cheeses. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring the mixture until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and reach your desired consistency. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and richness to the sauce, while the mozzarella provides a beautiful stretch and cheesy flavor. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty note that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Step 6: Combining Everything
Return the cooked chicken strips and the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to penetrate the pasta and chicken.
Step 7: Serving
Garnish the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and comforting. The recipe is also relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The use of readily available ingredients ensures that you can whip up this dish whenever the craving strikes. The creamy, cheesy sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful, and it clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken, making every bite a delight. The addition of fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and visual appeal. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to deliver.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the extra sauce.
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Add steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
- Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Tips:
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautΓ©ed mushrooms or spinach.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 650-750 per serving Protein: 40-50 grams per serving Sodium: 700-900mg per serving
Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. With its tender chicken, luscious sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it is a symphony of flavors and textures that is both easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece.
Questions and Answers
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli works well because its shape holds the sauce nicely, you can substitute it with other types of pasta such as penne, farfalle (bow-tie), or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the “al dente” stage.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the sauce and chicken, and combine everything. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce if stored together, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- While you can technically freeze it, the texture of the sauce and pasta may change upon thawing. The dairy-based sauce can sometimes separate, and the pasta may become slightly mushy. If you do freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor to the dish. SautΓ©ed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli florets, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. You can sautΓ© the vegetables along with the garlic or add them to the sauce during the simmering process.
- I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use something else?
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) to the sauce to help thicken it up.
