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
Scale
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.
