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’re looking for a dinner that’s both luxurious and incredibly comforting, let me introduce you to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Imagine golden, juicy chicken atop a nest of perfectly al dente rotini, all cloaked in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce that clings to every twist. This recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite at my table for its amazing flavor, satisfying texture, and utter crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish delivers rich, creamy goodness and a touch of Italian flair every time.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to create something truly spectacular here. Each element serves a purpose: tender chicken for hearty bites, rotini for those lovely sauce-trapping curves, and plenty of garlic and Parmesan for bold flavor. Let’s break down what makes every component crucial to this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest, most tender bites that soak up all that luscious sauce.
Rotini Pasta: The twists in rotini catch every bit of the cheesy garlic sauce, making every forkful extra satisfying.
Fresh Garlic: Minced cloves bring that unmistakable, aromatic punch and deepen the sauce’s flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for that nutty, salty, ultra-melty perfection—no pre-shredded, please!
Heavy Cream: This is the secret to an impossibly creamy, luscious sauce that blankets the pasta and chicken.
Butter: A little butter adds richness and helps sauté the garlic for the best possible aroma and taste.
Olive Oil: Perfect for achieving a beautiful golden sear on the chicken’s surface—flavor and color in one step.
Italian Seasoning: A dash of this adds those familiar Mediterranean herbs that play so well with garlic and cheese.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasoning duo that brings out all the other flavors in this comforting classic.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Just a sprinkle on top for a pop of color and a breath of freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts and patting them dry. This simple step helps the seasoning stick and ensures a beautiful sear later. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a dusting of Italian seasoning. It’s a quick prep, but this is where all that base flavor gets locked in.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, letting each piece turn golden and develop a delicious crust. Don’t rush—let them get that irresistible color! Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest while you continue with the pasta and sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once drained, toss with a bit of butter to keep the noodles silky and flavorful while you turn your attention to the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Return your skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—not browned. This brief sauté blooms the garlic, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it thicken for 3-4 minutes. Then, gradually add the grated Parmesan, whisking until the cheese melts and a smooth, creamy sauce forms. You’re building the heart and soul of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta right here, so don’t shortchange this step!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Slice the rested chicken into juicy strips. Add the cooked rotini to the pan with the garlic-Parmesan sauce and toss until the noodles are completely coated. Every twist should be glistening with cheesy, garlicky goodness! Layer the sliced chicken on top so it stays extra moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the saucy pasta to plates or a big serving platter, nestle the chicken strips on top, and drizzle with any sauce left in the pan. Sprinkle a shower of chopped fresh parsley for color and a pop of freshness. Serve immediately while everything is creamy and hot—each bite of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is pure bliss!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

Finish with a little flair! Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice, adding a vivid green color that makes this creamy dish pop—plus, it gives a herbal freshness that brightens every forkful. For extra richness, a final grating of Parmesan over the top never hurts. If you want a hit of spice, a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of crushed red pepper is delicious and eye-catching.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta pairs perfectly with simple sides that let the main event shine. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the rich sauce, while roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color and crunch. Of course, nobody will complain about a warm loaf of garlic bread or a rustic baguette for sopping up every last drop of that sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, serve the pasta family-style on a big platter with the chicken sliced and fanned across the top. For date night, twirl the pasta into pasta nests with tongs for a fancier look, topping each with sliced chicken. Or, dish it into individual gratin dishes, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for a minute until bubbly—a decadent twist on classic presentation for your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To save leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored this way, your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—and spoiler: the flavors often get even better as they meld together overnight!

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can absolutely freeze portions for future dinners. Place cooled pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheating creamy pasta can be tricky since you want to preserve the smoothness of the sauce. Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce seems a bit thick. Stir frequently until everything is heated through—microwaving can work, too, but go low and slow for best results to avoid separation.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching all that cheesy sauce, other shapes like fusilli, penne, or even fettuccine work just as well. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up to the creamy sauce in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half, but the result will be a slightly thinner, less rich sauce. If you want to keep things lighter but still crave that thick, dreamy consistency, you could thicken the sauce with a bit of extra Parmesan or a teaspoon of flour whisked in at the beginning of the cream step.

What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?

Pat the chicken breasts dry before seasoning and don’t skip resting them after cooking! This locks in the juices. Using a thermometer also helps; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for tender, not-overcooked chicken in your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and enjoy the pasta in its luscious sauce, or substitute with pan-seared mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or a plant-based chicken substitute for a vegetarian twist on Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely! Toss in sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and extra nutrition—they’ll pair beautifully with the garlicky Parmesan sauce and give another layer of flavor to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how irresistible this dish is—every bite of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is pure comfort and joy in a bowl. It’s such a simple recipe, but it never fails to impress. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it finds a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this garlic parmesan chicken served with cheesy twisted pasta. A rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Trim and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini pasta, drain, and toss with butter.
Make the Sauce: In the skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, simmer, and stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Combine: Slice chicken, toss pasta in sauce, and coat evenly.
Serve: Plate pasta, top with chicken, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with parsley.

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