If you are craving a comforting yet elegant meal that flows with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender, flavorful chicken, look no further than this Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked rotini pasta enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce, complemented by succulent garlic butter chicken pieces that add just the right savory punch. It’s a delightful combination that feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an absolute winner for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe’s charm lies in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy heavy cream that forms the luscious sauce, to the aromatic garlic butter that elevates the chicken, right down to the vibrant parsley finish that adds a pop of color.
- 1 pound Chicken Breast: Use tender chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces; thighs are a great alternative for a richer flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for the best flavorful punch in your butter sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: This creates that classic silky butter sauce texture; olive oil can be swapped in for a lighter touch.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps with browning the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The heart of your Alfredo sauce, rich and creamy; half-and-half works for a lighter sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, it melts beautifully and gives that iconic tangy sharpness.
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta: The twisted shape holds onto the sauce perfectly; penne or fusilli are fun alternatives.
- Parsley, to taste: Adds freshness and a bright splash of green to finish.
How to Make Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into evenly sized, bite-friendly pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and your favorite Italian seasoning if you have it handy – it adds a lovely herbal depth.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Garlic Butter
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and butter together in a large skillet until shimmering. This combo gives you the perfect base to develop that irresistible golden crust on the chicken. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer—they should sizzle the moment they hit the pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until beautifully browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken sears, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions—this ensures the pasta maintains fantastic texture and holds up well in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Now drop the heat to medium and carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken drippings and remaining butter. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes so the cream gently simmers and thickens slightly, soaking up those gorgeous flavors.
Step 5: Add Parmesan for Creamy Perfection
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Patience here pays off as the cheese melts into the sauce creating a silken, cheesy blanket ready to envelop your pasta and chicken in pure comfort.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken in Sauce
Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it right into the skillet with your rich Alfredo sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every twisted nook and cranny. Then add your golden garlic butter chicken back in and mix carefully until everything is harmoniously combined.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a slight hint of freshness that perfectly balances the rich sauce. Serve it while it’s piping hot and watch everyone dive in happily.
How to Serve Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple handful of fresh parsley gives the dish a lovely welcomed brightness, but you can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper on top for a bit of added contrast and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines beautifully alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for an extra layer of texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy presentation, plate the pasta using tongs to twist individual servings into neat nests. Drizzle a bit of extra Alfredo sauce on top and add a small parsley sprig or even a garlic breadstick on the side for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for an even more comforting second meal.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the Alfredo sauce and cooked chicken separately from the pasta to avoid texture changes. Reheat gently to bring it back to its creamy glory.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too but stir occasionally to heat evenly and preserve creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully because its twists hold onto the sauce, penne or fusilli are excellent substitutes that maintain the dish’s texture and flavor perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different from the classic version.
How do I make the chicken extra tender?
Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds more moisture and flavor, and marinating the chicken briefly in some olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking also helps keep it juicy.
Can this dish be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Prepare the components ahead, then finish combining and warming everything just before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy and ensure the sauce stays luscious.
What’s a good wine pairing with this meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, balancing the rich creaminess of the Alfredo sauce and the savory garlic butter chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug but cooks up quickly, this Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is bound to become your new go-to. It’s pure comfort with a touch of elegance that’s easy to prepare and hard to forget. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you every time.
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Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (Alternative: use thighs for added flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- Italian Seasoning, to taste
Sauté Base
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Substitute: use olive oil for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Substitute: half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Alternative: penne or fusilli)
- Parsley, chopped, to taste (Can be omitted for simplicity)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season them generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure the meat is flavorful.
- Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot and shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on the bottom and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Boil Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta once done.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat under the skillet to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the cream begins to simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream, whisking continuously until the cheese melts completely and a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta into the creamy Alfredo sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every piece is well coated with the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the golden garlic butter chicken pieces to the skillet, mixing gently to incorporate the chicken evenly throughout the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- For a lighter option, swap butter for olive oil and heavy cream for half-and-half.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used but will have a less robust flavor.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best texture and melting quality.
- Parsley is optional but adds a nice freshness and visual appeal.
- Use pasta shapes like penne or fusilli as alternatives to rotini if desired.
