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: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or about 1¼ lb chicken thighs); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi); 3 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1¼ cups heavy cream; 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a truly decadent weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with an unforgettable homemade meal, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the answer you’ve been searching for. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken nestled in a luscious, velvety Parmesan garlic sauce, all wrapped around perfectly al dente twisted pasta that grabs onto every bit of flavor. This dish is pure comfort with a sophisticated twist, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with unbeatable savory depth. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, luxe enough for special occasions, and sure to become a treasured favorite any time you need something absolutely delicious and satisfying.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together in perfect harmony to create layers of taste in every bite. The beauty of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is how straightforward these pantry staples are, yet the results taste like heaven on a plate. Here’s why you need each one:

Chicken (breasts or thighs): Use boneless, skinless chicken for tenderness and a mild flavor that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
Twisted pasta: Rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi have grooves and twists that are perfect for trapping extra creamy sauce in every forkful.
Butter: Provides the foundation for richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
Olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruitiness to the base.
Fresh garlic: The real flavor MVP—fresh cloves infuse the sauce with warmth and depth you just can’t get from powder.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and builds a savory backbone for the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The not-so-secret for that ultra-silky, luxurious texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating a bold, cheesy punch and unforgettable umami notes.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for brightening every flavor in the dish—season generously but thoughtfully.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brings color and a burst of freshness to counterbalance the richness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start off strong by patting your chicken dry—this seemingly small step is what allows a beautiful golden crust to form. Once patted dry, season each side generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning not only adds flavor but preps the chicken to better absorb all the buttery, garlicky sauce you’ll build later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. As soon as the butter melts and starts to foam, lay in your chicken. Let it sizzle for about 5–6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move it around so you get those glorious, flavor-packed golden edges. The goal is fully cooked, juicy chicken—165 degrees Fahrenheit at the center—then let it rest under a loose foil tent while you move on.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Turn the heat down a notch to medium, then melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. You want it just fragrant—not brown or bitter—so the garlic infuses the fat with all its magical aroma and mild spice.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Splash in the chicken broth, scraping up every browned bit from the bottom of your pan (this is where the big flavor lives). Next, pour in your heavy cream and let it bubble for 3–4 minutes to slightly thicken. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce turns glossy and smooth. Don’t forget a final pinch of salt and crack of black pepper to round out the flavors.

Step 5: Cook the Twisted Pasta

Meanwhile, get your pasta going in a big pot of salted boiling water. Rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi are all fabulous here for sopping up the sauce. Aim for perfectly al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce later.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Slice your rested chicken into thick strips or bite-sized pieces. Tumble them back into the skillet with the sauce, then pour in the drained pasta. Toss everything together so every spiral is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. If the sauce is a bit thick, a splash or two of pasta water is all it takes to hit the ideal creamy consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is luscious and saucy, finish off with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta piping hot, and watch everyone swoon at the scent and sight alone.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a must for a pop of color and herby brightness that lifts the rich sauce. For a show-stopping finish, shower extra shavings of Parmesan over each plate and maybe a pinch of cracked black pepper. If you love a little zest, a delicate grate of lemon peel can add a subtle spark as well.

Side Dishes

A dish as creamy and dreamy as Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta shines with crisp, light sides. Think a simple green salad with a punchy vinaigrette, or tender-crisp steamed broccoli to balance the meal. Warm, crusty bread (like a rustic sourdough) is also a personal favorite for swiping up every last bit of that velvety sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, serve the chicken sliced and fanned over the pasta, drizzle with extra sauce, and scatter herbs just before serving. Individual gratin dishes or shallow pasta bowls also let each portion feel extra special. Hosting a crowd? Try serving family-style in a big, beautiful platter at the center of your table—watch as everyone dives in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, isn’t guaranteed!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta holds up beautifully for up to three days. Before storing, let everything cool down slightly so the creamy sauce maintains its silky smoothness.

Freezing

While the sauce will change texture a bit upon freezing, you can absolutely freeze this dish for busy nights. Portion into freezer-safe containers, let cool completely, and freeze for up to two months. Expect a little sauce separation after reheating, but a splash of cream or warm pasta water will bring it right back to life.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to restore the luscious sauce. If microwaving, stir halfway through and don’t overheat—just until heated through, so the chicken stays juicy and the pasta doesn’t dry out. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan will revive that just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely. While boneless breasts make the dish classic and quick, boneless, skinless thighs offer even more flavorful juiciness. For a fun twist, you can try thin chicken cutlets or even use leftover rotisserie chicken—just reduce cook time as needed!

What’s the best type of cheese for maximum flavor?

High-quality Parmesan is the key for the unmistakable nutty undertone in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. For extra richness, try mixing in a handful of Italian blend cheeses or a touch of sharp Pecorino Romano.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free twisted pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free varieties often cook faster. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan if allergies are a concern.

How can I lighten up the sauce?

For a lighter touch, swap out half the heavy cream with whole milk or a plant-based alternative. The final sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy and comforting. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end also works for extra tang and protein.

Do I have to use twisted pasta shapes?

While twisted pasta is fantastic for catching the fragrant, cheesy sauce, you can use any sturdy short pasta like penne or rigatoni. That said, the signature texture and look of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is truly best with rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying meal that’s easy to love and impossible to forget, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is it. From the velvety sauce to the golden seared chicken and twirly pasta, every forkful is comfort and joy in a bowl. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dish—it might just become your new household favorite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce served over perfectly cooked twisted pasta. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

Instructions

Prep and season chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165 °F). Remove and let it rest.
Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter, add garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth, about 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook pasta: Meanwhile, boil twisted pasta in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Combine: Slice chicken and return to skillet. Add pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian