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Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Cream

A comforting meal of sweet-tangy honey garlic chicken glazed and served over spiral pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta and chicken
  • 12-16 oz spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini) Depending on servings.
  • 2-3 pieces boneless chicken breasts About 1 to 1.5 lb.
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil For cooking.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Or more to taste.
  • 2-3 tbsp honey Adjust sweetness.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For the sauce.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Don’t use pre-shredded if possible.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
  3. Add the chicken breasts. Cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Season with salt and pepper as you cook.
  4. Lower the heat and drizzle honey over the chicken. Cook another 1–2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the breasts so it caramelizes slightly. Remove chicken to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
  5. In a small saucepan over low heat, pour the heavy cream and warm gently. Add the grated Parmesan in batches, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep the sauce on very low heat — do not boil.
Mixing and Serving
  1. Toss the cooked pasta with the Parmesan cream until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  2. Slice the honey-garlic chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half plus 1 tbsp butter. Substitute penne or orecchiette for the spiral pasta if preferred. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.