Cheesy Garlic Chicken with Creamy Mozzarella Parme
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into thick pieces
½ cup mozzarella, shredded (for crusting)
½ cup Parmesan, grated (for crusting)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 tablespoons butter, divided
8 cloves garlic, minced and divided
12 oz spaghetti
1½ cups heavy cream
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup mozzarella, shredded (for sauce)
1 cup Parmesan, grated (for sauce)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh basil and parsley
Directions:
1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until just tender. Before draining, save about ¼ cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
2. In a bowl, mix the mozzarella and Parmesan for the crust with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then press the cheese mixture onto each piece so it sticks well.
3. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until the outside turns golden and slightly crispy.
4. Add half of the garlic and spoon the butter over the chicken for extra flavor. If you want that bubbly finish, place the skillet under the broiler for a couple minutes, then remove the chicken and set it aside.
5. In the same pan, add the remaining butter and garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently, then stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
8. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, then toss in the spaghetti until fully coated.
9. Serve the spaghetti with the cheesy chicken on the side or on top, and spoon extra sauce over everything. Finish with fresh basil and parsley.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 5 | Calories: ~950 per serving
If you're looking to elevate your homemade chicken dinner, this cheesy garlic chicken recipe paired with creamy mozzarella Parmesan sauce is a fantastic choice. Beyond the classic ingredients like mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic, I’ve found that using freshly minced garlic rather than pre-ground powder adds a much deeper, more aromatic flavor to both the crust and the sauce. It’s easy to adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially by incorporating more Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. One tip I learned is reserving some pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water helps to loosen and combine the sauce with the pasta, creating a silky texture that clings perfectly to every strand. When cooking the chicken, using medium-high heat and allowing the cheese crust to brown nicely ensures a satisfying crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For those who like to add a little freshness to the dish, tossing in fresh basil and parsley right before serving brightens the flavors and adds a colorful touch. I also recommend serving this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the creamy sauce. Lastly, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, but remember this might reduce the lusciousness of the sauce slightly. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the comfort of creamy pasta with the savory delight of garlic-crusted chicken—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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