Description
Tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and twisted pasta come together in this comforting and flavorful Parmesan-packed dinner recipe.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half & half)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
For the Pasta:
12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini, fusilli, or gemelli)
Salted water for boiling
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and keep warm.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it melt into a smooth sauce.
Combine & Serve:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Slice the cooked chicken and serve on top of the creamy pasta.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Substitute grilled shrimp or mushrooms for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American