If you are craving a dish that brings together comforting creaminess, cheesy goodness, and succulent golden garlic butter chicken all in one bowl, then you are in for a treat with the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe. This recipe takes simple pantry staples and elevates them into a luscious, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special gathering. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of tender rotini pasta twirled in a rich Alfredo sauce, topped with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken cubes. It is a fantastic way to satisfy those pasta cravings while treating yourself to a plate full of cheesy, garlicky happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish truly shine. Each item contributes essential flavors, textures, and colors to create that irresistible combination that keeps you coming back for more.
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into cubes: These provide tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the delicious seasonings and buttery flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken while adding subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for chicken): Adds a luxurious golden coating to the chicken for extra depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the entire dish with an irresistible, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every element of the dish perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbaceous, savory notes that brighten the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory complexity without overpowering.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The perfect twisted shape to trap creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce): Creates a silky base to sauté garlic and enrich the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy heart of the Alfredo sauce, making it luscious and velvety.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty, salty flavor essential to Alfredo.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for amazing stretch and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian herb blend: Offers fresh color and a bright herbal finish.
How to Make Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly and blend perfectly with the pasta later. Toss the chunks with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. This simple seasoning mix is key for building bold flavor that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden color and are cooked through. The combination of butter and oil guarantees a rich, flavorful crust that seals in the juiciness.
Step 3: Boil the Perfect Al Dente Rotini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente, which means tender yet firm to the bite—usually a minute or two less than package instructions. Reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will come in handy for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later.
Step 4: Create the Flavorful Alfredo Sauce Base
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma and lays the foundation for a deeply flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Lower the heat and stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese until they melt completely, resulting in a rich and velvety sauce that will cling beautifully to every twist of pasta.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet with your luscious Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to ensure each piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to loosen it, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 7: Top with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken
Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them on top of the creamy pasta. This way, every forkful includes tender chicken enveloped by cheesy sauce for maximum deliciousness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Sprinkle chopped parsley or your favorite Italian herb blend on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience, enjoying the combination of creamy, cheesy pasta and flavorful chicken in every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a dash of finely grated parmesan right before serving adds an inviting aroma and extra cheesy notes. Fresh herbs like basil or chives can also brighten the rich flavors and provide beautiful contrast.
Side Dishes
This creamy masterpiece pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side dishes like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables. The freshness complements the rich, cheesy goodness perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with chicken placed artfully on top. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edge and garnish with whole sprigs of parsley or basil leaves. For a cozy gathering, bake the combined pasta and chicken in a casserole dish topped with extra mozzarella for a bubbly crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop well overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze, portion the pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers. Although best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just note that the sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, so gentle reheating is recommended.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and bring back that luscious, cheesy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, though they might require slightly longer cooking times. Just make sure they are cut into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream to lighten it up. Using less cheese or a reduced-fat variety can also help reduce calories without compromising too much on flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The twisted rotini is great for holding sauce, but many shapes would work well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Make sure to stir the sauce continuously as you add the cheese over low heat. Also, freshly grated parmesan tends to melt better than pre-grated options, giving you a smoother Alfredo sauce.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying. You might want to add extra seasoning to boost flavor in the absence of meat.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe enough. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a gourmet touch, creating a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe is bound to bring smiles and full plates. Don’t hesitate — grab those ingredients, and let the inviting aromas fill your home!
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Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken features tender cubes of seasoned chicken cooked to perfection in garlic butter, tossed with rotini pasta in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce loaded with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish combines savory flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (for chicken)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian herb blend
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to ensure the chicken is well flavored.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set the chicken aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so it slightly thickens. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce reaches a creamy, thick consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
- Add Chicken and Garnish: Top the cheesy Alfredo pasta with the golden garlic butter chicken pieces. Sprinkle chopped parsley or your choice of Italian herb blend over the top for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken hot, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful. Perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
