Gather around, friends! I can’t wait to share this creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta recipe that has become a staple at my dinner table. It all started with those cozy family nights when I wanted to whip up something that felt indulgent but didn’t take all evening. This dish is a perfect balance of richness and comfort, and trust me, you’ll feel like a culinary superstar with minimal effort!
As soon as I get the aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan, I know I’m in for a treat. The creamy sauce hugs the chicken perfectly, and when you add those cheesy twisted pasta noodles, it’s pure magic. This recipe is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about creating memories over a delicious meal that’s super easy to prepare. So, if you’re looking for a weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion, you’ve hit the jackpot with this one!
Ingredients List
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for that perfect sear
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
- 1 cup heavy cream to make it oh-so-creamy
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (fresh is best!)
- 8 oz twisted pasta, because let’s be honest, it’s fun to eat
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness
Once you’ve got these goodies ready, you’re halfway to a delicious dinner!
How to Prepare Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Let’s kick things off with the pasta! Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in the twisted pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. Just a little tip: saving a splash of that pasta water can be handy for later if you need to loosen up the sauce!
Preparing the Chicken
Now, onto the chicken! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; you want it nice and hot to get that beautiful golden brown color. Carefully add the chicken breasts and let them cook without moving them around for about 6-7 minutes on one side. This is key—don’t rush it! Flip them over and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they’re cooked through and golden. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate. We’ll bring it back later!
Making the Creamy Sauce
Time for the star of the show—the creamy garlic parmesan sauce! In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it melts into a luscious, creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens! Keep stirring until it’s smooth and velvety, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Everything
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in that rich sauce. Next, toss in the cooked twisted pasta, mixing everything well so that each bite is bursting with flavor. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of that reserved pasta water to get the perfect consistency. Serve it up on plates, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to dive into a comforting, delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy flavors that feel indulgent without the fuss.
- Comfort food at its best, guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Only one skillet needed for minimal cleanup—yay!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for variety.
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the chicken cooking process; letting it get that golden brown crust adds so much flavor. Also, always use fresh parmesan cheese—trust me, the taste difference is worth it! If your sauce seems too thick, just add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. And remember, adjust the garlic to your liking; more garlic means more flavor! Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back that creamy texture. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to keep it moist. Happy reheating!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this creamy garlic parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is rich and hearty, perfect for a comforting meal! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness to your creamy garlic parmesan chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that it may change the creaminess of the sauce. If using yogurt, add it at the end off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can toss in some spinach, broccoli, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a delicious twist!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, simply cut into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be white and juices should run clear.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh just before serving. This way, the pasta stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t soak up too much sauce!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken served with cheesy twisted pasta.
Składniki
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chicken over twisted pasta and garnish with parsley.
Uwagi
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 plate
- Kalorie: 650
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 45g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 25g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy twisted pasta recipe
