Print

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a rustic bowl with fresh parsley
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This is a one-pan wonder featuring tender chicken and fun twisted pasta shapes enveloped in a velvety, garlicky, cheesy sauce. It is the ultimate easy comfort food that turns a regular weeknight into something special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz twisted pasta, such as cavatappi, fusilli, or gemelli
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the twisted pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then whisk in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing until everything is coated in the sauce. If using, stir in spinach until just wilted.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Notes

For a lump-free sauce, whisk constantly when adding the broth. Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother melt. The pasta will continue to soften in the hot sauce, so cook it al dente. Reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-cheesy-twisted-pasta-3/