Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Juicy chicken, a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked twisted pasta come together in one pan for a cozy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 ¼ cups heavy cream
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1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Prep chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
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Sear: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and rest.
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Make sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream and simmer 3–4 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook pasta: In salted water, cook pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
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Combine: Slice chicken, return to skillet, and add pasta. Toss with sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
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Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let chicken sear undisturbed for the best golden crust.
Grate Parmesan fresh for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Adjust thickness of sauce with reserved pasta water.
Add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make delicious variations.
Leftover sauce works great over rice or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired