Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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Thank you so much for being here! Whether you’re a fellow weeknight meal warrior or just browsing for something a little indulgent, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this recipe. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is comfort food at its best — rich, creamy, and full of bold, crave-worthy flavor. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like a restaurant favorite, but comes together easily right in your own kitchen.

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is everything you want in a cozy dinner — juicy, pan-seared chicken in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, all spooned over cheesy, perfectly cooked twisted pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and honestly… ridiculously good. If you’d love more recipes like this sent right to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list for delicious inspiration all year long!

What Is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta?

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a skillet-to-table meal that pairs tender chicken breasts with a rich and silky garlic parmesan cream sauce, served over cheesy rotini or fusilli pasta. It’s indulgent but not fussy — think garlic alfredo vibes but with way more flavor and texture. And that twisted pasta? It clings to the sauce in the best way possible. Every bite is buttery, cheesy perfection.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: From the garlic to the cheese to the golden-seared chicken, every bite delivers.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish — it’s comforting, creamy, and familiar.
• One-pan sauce: The sauce comes together in the same skillet you sear the chicken in — fewer dishes!
• Great for leftovers: Tastes just as delicious the next day.
• Easy to customize: Swap the pasta, add veggies, or make it spicy — it’s totally up to you.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a creamy, garlicky Alfredo base, but richer and more layered in flavor thanks to the parmesan and pan drippings from the chicken. The sauce is thick, luscious, and savory with just enough garlic to make you swoon. The chicken is juicy and seasoned with a golden crust, while the twisted pasta holds onto all that cheesy goodness. It’s luxurious without being over the top. Truly, comfort in a bowl!

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Quick enough for weeknights.
• Impressive enough for guests.
• Uses pantry staples — no fancy ingredients required.
• Customizable with seasonal add-ins.
• Creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy chicken dream to life:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli work best)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• Additional mozzarella or parmesan for topping (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (preferably nonstick or stainless steel)
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Cheese grater (fresh parmesan melts better!)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are amazing in this!
• No heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Try a protein swap: Shrimp or rotisserie chicken work beautifully here.
• Gluten-free option: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and you’re set!

The Smell Is Everything…

Before we get cooking, let me just say: the smell of this dish as it simmers is absolutely unforgettable. That buttery garlic sautéing in the pan, mingling with parmesan and cream, is enough to make your mouth water before the chicken even hits the sauce. It’s rich, cozy, and smells like dinner at a fancy Italian bistro — but in your own kitchen. I promise, your whole house will be floating in that dreamy, garlicky goodness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your twisted pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken. Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
4. Make the sauce. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
5. Add the cheese. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Toss in pasta. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add more cheese on top if desired!
7. Slice and add the chicken. Return the chicken to the pan, sliced or whole. Spoon some sauce over the top.
8. Serve hot and garnish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments.

What to Serve With It

This dish is indulgent on its own, but here are a few simple pairings:

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Caesar or arugula salad
• A glass of crisp white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

Tips for Success

• Thin chicken = faster cooking and more flavor.
• Use freshly grated parmesan — it melts smoother than the pre-shredded stuff.
• Taste as you go! Parmesan is salty, so be mindful when seasoning.
• Reserve that pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
• Let the chicken rest. Slicing it too soon lets those juices escape.

Storage and Reheating

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing tips: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate after freezing.

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are super flavorful and work perfectly here.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes — completely optional.

What other cheese can I use?
Try asiago, provolone, or a little gruyère for fun twists!

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is everything I love in a dinner — creamy, flavorful, soul-warming, and just fancy enough to make a Tuesday night feel special. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself to something downright delicious.

Craving more creamy pasta dishes? Check these out next:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
• Baked Ziti Alfredo with Spinach
• One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

Let’s Stay Connected!

If you make this dish, I’d love to see your take on it! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest or leave a review below — your feedback means the world to me and helps others find this recipe too!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 580
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 610mg

Ready to impress your dinner table tonight? Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

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