If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dish that combines luscious sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly twisted pasta, look no further than this Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic richness, while the twisty rotini pasta cleverly captures every drop of that dreamy Alfredo sauce. Prepare yourself for a dish that’s both elegant enough for guests and simple enough for a weeknight craving. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to comfort food staple without question.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, combining simple flavors that come together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color. You’ll see how easy it is to pull together a meal that feels gourmet but requires only a handful of pantry essentials.
- Chicken Breast: Dice it bite-sized for quick, juicy pieces that soak up all the garlic butter goodness.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add a fragrant punch you just can’t get from powders or pastes.
- Butter: Use unsalted for better control over seasoning and a silky richness.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps balance the richness of butter.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; adjust to your taste preferences.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal warmth with just the right Italian flair.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy Alfredo base that’s indulgently smooth (can swap with half and half for lighter options).
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for that perfect cheesy melt and nutty depth.
- Rotini Pasta: Twisted shapes trap sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of green and a mild herbal lift as a finishing touch.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief marination allows the herbs and seasoning to infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant, around 30 seconds—don’t let it burn! This step builds a fragrant base that will elevate the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Drop in the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté them in that garlic butter oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The searing locks in juiciness while giving the chicken a beautiful color. Once done, set the chicken aside; the flavorful pan will be the base of your Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions—typically 8 to 10 minutes—until just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency perfectly later on.
Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour heavy cream into the skillet where you cooked the chicken. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes while stirring frequently, so the cream starts to meld with the savory garlic butter left behind.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slowly into the cream until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and cheesy. If the sauce looks too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to reach your perfect creamy texture.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked rotini pasta into your Alfredo sauce, making sure each twist is coated in that cheesy goodness. Let the mixture simmer together for a minute or two so the pasta can absorb the sauce flavors seamlessly.
Step 8: Reintroduce Chicken and Finish
Return the garlic butter chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to combine everything into one harmonious dish. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish that brightens the richness.
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley works wonders here to add color and a mild herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty dish with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to bring a crisp, zesty contrast. Garlic bread, toasted to golden perfection, is also a fantastic companion to sop up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe plated in shallow bowls, topped with a few extra Parmesan curls and a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-worthy look. For a family-style meal, present it in a large skillet right at the table to invite everyone to dig in and share the love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, this pasta dish will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy your delicious creation without rush.
Freezing
This creamy pasta can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the Alfredo sauce might shift slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid the sauce breaking. You can add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore its silky consistency. Microwaving is fine, but do it in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer, more succulent flavor and are a great alternative that works brilliantly in this recipe.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini is perfect because the twists hold onto the Alfredo sauce so well, but you can also use penne or fusilli for similar results.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
While pre-grated cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers a creamier sauce with superior flavor.
Can I lighten up the recipe by using half and half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, using half and half creates a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich and creamy compared to heavy cream.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when sautéing?
Keep your heat at medium to medium-high and watch closely—garlic cooks quickly and will become bitter if burnt. Remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant, usually within 30 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or craving something deeply comforting, the Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a standout star you’ll return to again and again. It’s thoughtfully simple yet so indulgent that every bite feels like a celebration of flavor and warmth. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with the perfect cheesy, garlicky pasta experience.
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Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 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, flavorful dish combining tender garlic butter chicken with rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Featuring a luxurious blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Substitution: Use thighs for a richer taste.)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Substitution: Garlic powder may be used in a pinch.)
- to taste Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- to taste Black Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Substitution: Use dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Note: Use unsalted butter to control salt in the dish.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Substitution: Can use vegetable oil if preferred.)
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Note: Half and half can be used for a lighter version.)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated recommended (Note: Freshly grated will yield the best texture; store-bought can clump.)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta (Substitution: Penne or fusilli may be used instead.)
- to taste Parsley (Substitution: Dried parsley is acceptable.)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, then season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Base: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Sauté Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, cooking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook 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 ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat on the skillet to low and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Cheese: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by incorporating some of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked rotini pasta into the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken Back: Return the garlic butter chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine the dish evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh or dried parsley over the dish as a final garnish and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese improves sauce texture and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half and half.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a richer flavor.
- Dried parsley can be used when fresh parsley is unavailable.
