If you have a craving for something rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, the Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort dish. Imagine tender, golden garlic butter chicken lovingly tossed with perfectly cooked twisted pasta and enveloped in a luscious, cheesy Alfredo sauce. This recipe marries simple ingredients in a way that feels utterly luxurious, making every bite indulgent yet so approachable. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and a smile, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is a star that enhances the final dish in terms of taste, texture, and color. Together, they create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and elegant.
- Chicken Breast (Boneless, diced): Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
- Garlic (Minced): Adds an aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Butter: Essential for that creamy richness and a velvety base for the sauce; olive oil can be used to lighten it slightly.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the chicken and garlic perfectly without burning.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly but importantly.
- Black Pepper: Gives a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings herbs like oregano and basil to deepen the flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: The heart of the Alfredo sauce, lending richness and smooth texture; half-and-half works for a lighter option.
- Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated): Adds sharp, nutty notes and creamy thickness to the sauce.
- Rotini Pasta: The twisted shape is perfect for holding onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is cheesy and flavorful.
- Parsley (Dried or fresh): A fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Begin by tossing your diced chicken breast in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to sink deep, giving your chicken that savory foundation that comes through in every bite.
Step 2: Sautéing Garlic and Chicken
Next, warm up your skillet with olive oil and butter. The combination helps create that rich, silky sauce base. Toss in the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle for about 30 seconds—this quick step releases that irresistible garlic aroma. Then, add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, around 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil salted water in a large pot. The salt is key here—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your rotini according to the package instructions to get that perfect al dente bite, ideal for holding onto our creamy sauce.
Step 4: Creating the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat under your skillet and gently pour in the heavy cream. Heat it for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s warm and slightly thickened. Then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and luxuriously creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it just right.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Drain your perfectly cooked rotini and add it directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and golden chicken. Toss everything gently for 1 to 2 minutes so that each pasta piece is lovingly coated and the chicken is nestled in the creamy goodness.
Step 6: Final Touch and Garnishing
Once combined, sprinkle dried or fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and fresh herby aroma, then serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finish, adding a splash of green and a delicate herbaceous note that balances the richness. You could also throw on some extra shaved Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat to complement the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provide a bright, crunchy contrast that makes the meal feel complete without overshadowing the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next dinner, serve this pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a garlic bread crisp on the side. For family style, present it in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight from the stove—guaranteed to get oohs and ahhs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it delicious even the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. Store the pasta and chicken Alfredo in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Microwaving is fine in a pinch, but stir intermittently to avoid hot spots and dryness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for trapping the Alfredo sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work beautifully to hold onto the creamy goodness.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, and use olive oil instead of butter. You’ll still get tasty results with fewer calories.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You sure can. Cook the seasoned chicken in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, quickly reheat it in the skillet before adding the sauce and pasta to keep things fresh and flavorful.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh Parmesan?
Grated Parmesan is best, but Pecorino Romano is a great alternative that adds a nice salty bite. Pre-grated cheeses work too but may not melt as smoothly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes can elevate the dish and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, the Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is a must-try. It’s an effortless way to make weeknight dinners feel special or to wow guests with creamy, garlicky goodness. Once you try it, this cozy, rich pasta will likely become a beloved staple in your kitchen, loved by all who gather around your table.
Print
Indulgent 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
Description
Indulgent Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This quick and satisfying meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Boneless, diced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Dried or fresh)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Can substitute with olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (For a lighter version, use half-and-half)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (Dried or fresh, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the diced chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat under the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Heat for 2-3 minutes, then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the sauce thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Gently mix for 1-2 minutes to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the chicken throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta garnished with dried or fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can substitute rotini with penne or fusilli pasta.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce as needed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
