Twisted Pasta Honey Garlic Chicken

Twisted pasta with honey garlic chicken and a creamy Parmesan sauce is that rare weeknight meal that always hits the spot. The chicken turns gloriously golden while the honey and garlic create a sticky glaze you will want to spoon over everything. For the sauce creamy Parmesan coats every twist of pasta and brings all the flavors together into one dreamy bite.

I first tried honey garlic chicken with plain white rice but stirring everything into pasta takes it to a whole new level. My family now asks for this one when they want something both comforting and a bit special.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: boneless skinless for tenderness and fast cooking look for cuts that are plump and pink
• Salt and pepper: enhances all the savory notes freshly ground is best if possible
• Olive oil: brings a fruity base to sear the chicken opt for extra virgin for the most aroma
• Honey: adds a natural touch of sweetness and caramelizes beautifully go for a light colored honey for milder flavor
• Garlic: minced for aromatic punch and depth choose firm plump cloves for the freshest taste
• Twisted pasta: rotini or fusilli both work well for capturing all the sauce use high quality durum wheat for best results
• Butter: gives richness to the sauce use unsalted to better control seasoning
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce to a luscious creaminess sift if lumpy for the smoothest result
• Milk: whole milk yields the creamiest base but two percent works in a pinch choose a brand with a clean fresh flavor
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated brings bold sharp saltiness buy a block and grate right before using for maximum flavor
• Italian seasoning: ties all the flavors together look for blends with oregano basil thyme
• Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with herbal freshness optional but worth it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper all over. Let sit a few minutes to help absorb the seasoning.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering Add all chicken pieces in one layer and cook without stirring for four minutes this develops flavor. Flip and continue cooking another two to four minutes until all sides are browned and the centers are cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Honey Garlic Glaze:

Turn heat to low and add minced garlic and honey directly into the empty skillet. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Let the mixture bubble and thicken for two minutes so the chicken will be perfectly glazed. Return the chicken to the pan and toss well so all pieces are coated. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

Without cleaning the skillet add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add flour and whisk well to form a smooth paste. Cook for about one minute to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep whisking for four to five minutes as the sauce thickens.

Finish the Sauce:

Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the thickened milk mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth creamy and coats a spoon.

Combine and Serve:

Add cooked twisted pasta and the honey garlic chicken straight into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Using a large spoon toss everything gently so all the pasta and chicken are fully coated. Let the mixture cook together for two to three more minutes so the flavors meld and everything is hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a spark of color and freshness. Serve while hot.

Save This

Never underestimate the power of good Parmesan. When I splurge on a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it just before adding I can taste the difference in every bite. This is the ingredient my son always asks to sprinkle more of on top and stirring it in with my kids at the counter is my favorite weeknight ritual.

Storage Tips

This pasta dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store in an airtight container and add a splash of milk or water when reheating in the microwave to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid freezing as the sauce can separate.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for deeper flavor and extra juiciness. Try mozzarella or pecorino in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy note. If you do not have Italian seasoning mix dried oregano and basil for a similar effect.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a meal all on its own but a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect partner on the plate. For extra crunch serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette to soak up every drop of sauce. A sprinkle of chili flakes on top gives it a gentle kick.

Cultural or Historical Context

The combination of honey garlic and Parmesan is inspired by Italian American comfort cooking. Creamy pasta dishes became beloved in the United States for their kid friendly flavors and easy preparation. This version folds in a subtle honey glaze a twist seen in contemporary kitchens and homey bistros alike.

Common Queries

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Cook chicken in hot oil until golden, then remove promptly to prevent overcooking. Let it rest before tossing with sauce.

→ Can I substitute the twisted pasta?

Fusilli or rotini work well, but penne or farfalle are great too. Choose a shape with grooves to hold the creamy sauce.

→ What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can substitute for Parmesan, offering a similar salty, nutty flavor profile.

→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Whisk milk gradually into the roux and use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, richest sauce texture.

→ Is this dish spicy?

No, the flavors are more savory and mildly sweet. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick if desired.

→ Can it be reheated effectively?

Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring to combine the sauce well.