A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with golden garlic butter chicken, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:2 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini recommended)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total), pounded to even thickness
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
1/4 tsp paprika
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the twisted pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board before slicing.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Warm through for one minute off the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a little extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore texture.