Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Cream

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings

Dietary Badges:
✔ Comfort Food
✔ 30-Minute Dinner
✔ Family-Friendly

🛒 Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized pieces)
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Rotini (or other twisted pasta)
Garlic (minced)
Honey
Low-sodium soy sauce
Butter
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in honey and soy sauce; simmer 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Cook until smooth and creamy.
Return chicken to skillet. Add pasta and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes:

Rotini works well, but penne or fusilli also soak up sauce beautifully.
Adjust honey for more sweetness or soy sauce for more savory depth.

Introduction

This Twisted Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Cream is a dinner that checks all the boxes—creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken bites meet golden honey garlic sauce, then everything gets folded into a luscious Parmesan cream. It’s comfort food with a gourmet flair, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner-in.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 – Boil the pasta
Salt your pasta water generously; it flavors the noodles from the inside.

Step 2 – Cook the chicken
Golden searing = maximum flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam.

Step 3 – Build the sauce
Sauté garlic in butter, then add honey + soy sauce for a sticky-sweet base.

Step 4 – Make it creamy
Stir in cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder until smooth and silky.

Step 5 – Toss together
Add chicken and pasta back in, toss well, and let the sauce cling to every twist of pasta.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless thighs can be used for extra juiciness.
Pasta: Any short pasta works—penne, fusilli, or even shells.
Honey: Swap with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
Cream: Half-and-half can be substituted, but sauce will be lighter.
Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives bold flavor.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Veggie Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas before serving.
Protein Swap: Try shrimp, pork, or even tofu in place of chicken.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Add roasted veggies on the side for a more complete meal.
- Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce for a glossy finish.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not ideal due to cream, but you can freeze chicken + sauce separately (then cook fresh pasta when serving).

FAQs

Q: Can I make this lighter?
A: Yes—use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat, then toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Q: Will this work in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes—cook pasta separately, then use sauté mode for chicken + sauce, and combine at the end.

Personal Note

This recipe was born on one of those “what’s in the fridge?” nights—and it’s become a family staple ever since. The combo of honey garlic sweetness with Parmesan creaminess is so addictive, I usually double the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want extra to mop up with bread!

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.