Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Experience the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta—a dish that brings rich, velvety sauce, golden-seared chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta together in every forkful. If you crave hearty, satisfying dinners that come together simply but taste like something you’d order at your favorite Italian spot, this recipe will have you swooning at first bite. The combination of tender chicken, robust garlic, and a blanket of creamy, cheesy sauce twirled with rotini is absolute dinner bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta lies in its handful of humble, high-impact ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—richness, flavor, or that mouthwatering golden color. Let’s take a look at what makes this dish sing!
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Rotini Pasta: These fun, twisted shapes hold onto all that lovely sauce for flavor in every bite.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth—don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh, Parmesan melts into a silky, nutty sauce that’s pure magic.
- Heavy Cream: Brings the luxurious texture you want in a cream sauce—so lush and decadent.
- Butter: A touch of butter adds richer flavor and makes everything taste even more special.
- Olive Oil: Great for getting that perfect sear on the chicken while locking in moisture.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that gives the chicken a herby, irresistible background note.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out every note of flavor in both the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a breath of fresh flavor to finish things off.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by trimming your chicken breasts and patting them dry—this helps get that drool-worthy golden crust. Give each piece a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This simple seasoning melts into the chicken as it cooks, infusing every bite with herby, savory goodness.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay in the chicken and listen for that sizzle! Sear each side for about 5–6 minutes. The goal is juicy chicken with beautifully crisp, golden edges. Once done, let it rest on a plate while you work on the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Cheesy Twisted Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your rotini according to the package directions. Don’t overcook—al dente is your friend! Drain thoroughly and toss with a little butter to keep the pasta from sticking and to add a hint of richness right off the bat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In your same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just 30 seconds until fragrant—careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer for 3–4 minutes so it thickens slightly. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan, watching it melt into a dreamy, luscious sauce.
Step 5: Slice Chicken & Coat the Pasta
Grab your rested chicken and slice it into juicy strips. Toss the rotini into your skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring well so each twist is drenched in cheesy delight. Add the chicken strips back on top and give everything a light toss, making sure nothing gets left behind.
Step 6: Plate & Finish
Time for the grand finale! Serve generous mounds of cheesy pasta onto plates, top with slices of golden chicken, and don’t forget to drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish, and watch your dinner table spring to life.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes
A simple shower of fresh chopped parsley brings freshness, contrast, and color to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. For a little extra flair, a pinch of extra Parmesan or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs can add lovely texture. But honestly, this dish shines even in its most classic form!
Side Dishes
Pairing is a breeze: a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette helps balance the richness, while steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus make for a pretty and wholesome addition. Garlic bread never hurts—you’ll want something to mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Twirl the saucy pasta into little nests on a plate and layer the sliced chicken elegantly on top for a restaurant-worthy look. Or, serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl so everyone can help themselves. For a fun twist, fill small ramekins for an intimate dinner party starter—same comfort food vibes, miniaturized!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers of your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta and chicken hold up beautifully, soaking in even more flavor overnight. Just make sure the sauce stays sealed to keep it creamy!
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Let everything cool completely, then tuck it into freezer-safe containers. When freezing, keep in mind that cream sauces may separate a bit upon thawing, but a gentle reheat can help bring it back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir thoroughly so the creamy texture returns. If you’re using a microwave, do it in short intervals and stir often—this helps prevent the sauce from splitting or the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or any other twisted or tubular pasta you love. The key is to use something with plenty of nooks and crannies for all that cheesy goodness.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work just as well in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta and will give you an even juicier bite. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten things up, try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You can also use less Parmesan or add extra steamed veggies to the pasta for more balance. The flavor will stay awesome, just a little less rich.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the sauce a day ahead, store it chilled in an airtight container, and reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta and chicken. If the sauce thickens up too much in the fridge, a splash of cream will bring it right back to its perfect consistency.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens up more than you’d like, don’t worry—a little reserved pasta water or a splash of milk stirred in as you toss everything together will loosen it up for that glorious creamy texture you want.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the kind of meal that brings people together and guarantees happiness at the table. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, you’ll love how quickly it comes together—and how blissfully delicious every bite is. Go ahead, give it a whirl, and make it your new weeknight favorite!
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. A decadent dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil and drain the rotini pasta.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add cream and parmesan, and simmer until smooth.
- Combine: Toss pasta in the sauce and top with sliced chicken.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, top with chicken, extra sauce, and parsley.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more cream if desired.
- Feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Cheesy Twisted Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Chicken Recipe, Creamy Sauce