Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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🧀 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Twisted Pasta 🍝🧄
Restaurant-quality comfort in just 30 minutes! Golden sautéed chicken nestled in a luscious three-cheese sauce that wraps around every spiral of pasta for the ultimate weeknight indulgence that even picky eaters request seconds of!
Ingredients:
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

  • Cook the pasta: Boil twisted pasta in generously salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water before draining pasta and setting aside.
  • Season and sear the chicken: Pat chicken strips dry and season on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
  • Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so garlic softens but doesn’t brown.
  • Build the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to blend and scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let mixture gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Finish the sauce: Lower heat to minimum and gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring constantly until melted. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until sauce is glossy and smooth. Mix in mozzarella until completely incorporated. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
  • Combine everything: Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet along with drained pasta. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in sauce. Heat for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  • Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is perfectly silky.
The ultimate comfort food that comes together faster than delivery! Perfect paired with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to balance the richness!

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