Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 oz rotini pasta; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you love recipes that deliver restaurant-worthy comfort right to your kitchen table, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta! Tender slices of golden-browned chicken rest atop twirls of cheesy rotini, all drenched in a lusciously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Every bite is an indulgence—creamy, savory, with pops of bright parsley for freshness. It’s every bit as impressive to serve guests as it is soothing for a cozy weeknight dinner. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your most requested meal!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how it transforms simple, accessible ingredients into a showstopping meal. Each component plays a key role, from the rotini pasta’s fun shape to the unbeatable flavor duo of garlic and Parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need to bring Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta to life:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make for juicy, protein-packed slices that soak up all that creamy flavor.
Rotini Pasta: The twists and spirals of rotini hold onto loads of cheesy sauce with every forkful.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that deep, aromatic foundation in the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, irresistibly melty—Parmesan is what makes this pasta impossibly cheesy and rich.
Heavy Cream: Achieves that luxe, restaurant-style sauce base with every swirl.
Butter: Butter adds silkiness and a subtle richness to both the chicken and the sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps you get a beautiful sear on the chicken for golden color and flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A savory blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste—don’t be shy! This duo enhances all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds freshness and a little lift to that creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts, then pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them brown beautifully in the pan. Next, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Take a moment to really press those spices in, so every bite is flavorful!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until shimmering. Carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan and let them sear undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want that deep golden crust! Once the chicken is cooked through, set aside to rest on a plate.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Before draining, save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain, then toss the pasta with a small knob of butter to prevent sticking and add a touch of extra flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In your same skillet (flavor bonus!), reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—it’ll be super fragrant, but don’t let it burn! Stir in the heavy cream and keep the sauce gently bubbling for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens, then whisk in all that glorious Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice your rested chicken into strips. Add the buttery rotini into the creamy sauce and toss well, letting every twist get coated in goodness. If the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Twirl the cheesy pasta onto plates, then arrange the sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with any extra sauce from the pan, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley (if using) for that final pop of color and freshness. Welcome to comfort food paradise!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

I love crowning my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta with a scatter of chopped parsley and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan. The parsley’s vibrancy balances out the richness, while extra cheese is always a good idea for cheese lovers—don’t forget a little cracked black pepper for good measure!

Side Dishes

Serve this dish alongside crisp Caesar salad, roasted green beans, or simply steamed broccoli for a hint of freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also wonderful for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. The key is to keep your sides light and bright to complement all that creamy, cheesy flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving the pasta in shallow bowls, twirling the rotini into playful nests with the chicken fanned across the top. For a dinner party, arrange on a large platter sprinkled with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a little zing. Individual mini casseroles are also super fun for a more elegant touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The sauce will thicken as it chills but stays delicious for up to 3 days. When storing, keep chicken and pasta together to let the flavors meld even more.

Freezing

Creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, but you can still freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta if you want to save extra. Divide into meal-sized containers, let cool, and freeze for up to a month. Just note that the sauce may need a good stir when reheated, and adding a splash of cream or milk will help restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra cream or milk, stirring to bring the sauce back together. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing to stir every 45 seconds for even results. Garnish with more fresh parsley and Parmesan to bring everything back to life!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While I adore rotini for how it catches all that creamy sauce, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Just aim for a shape that gives the sauce plenty of nooks and crannies to cling to.

How do I make this dish lighter?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, try swapping half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly. You can also use grilled or poached chicken for a lighter take while keeping the essence of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta intact.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli right before mixing the pasta and sauce. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition and add color to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

What’s the best way to ensure my chicken is juicy?

Patting the chicken dry and not overcooking it are the keys! Searing at medium-high gives a golden outside and keeps it tender inside. Let it rest before slicing to lock in those juices for your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free rotini or twist-shaped pasta. Make sure your Parmesan and seasoning mix are gluten-free as well, and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta becomes completely gluten-friendly without missing a beat.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a comforting meal that feels special but is so simple to prepare, give Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta a spot on your dinner table. With its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to bring smiles and “more, please!” requests from every seat. Try it soon—you’ll see why it’s one of my all-time favorites!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken served with cheesy twisted pasta. This dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Trim and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a skillet until golden and cooked through.
Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini pasta, drain, and toss with butter.
Make the Sauce: In the skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add heavy cream, simmer, and stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Combine: Slice chicken, toss pasta in the sauce, and plate. Top with chicken strips, sauce, and parsley.