When the house smells like buttery garlic and the windows fog up from pasta steam, you know you’re truly home. Our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a runaway hit on Pinterest and family dinner boards, checking every cozy box. Imagine sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese, tender pan-seared chicken, and perfectly twisted pasta bathed in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s easy enough for a busy Tuesday night, yet feels as decadent as a Sunday supper.
This dish is all about that incredible saucemellow garlic, plenty of sharp Parmesan, and a touch of chicken broth for a deep, savory base. Then we swirl in warm, al dente twisted pasta and top it off with juicy pan-seared chicken. You’ll find most of these are simple pantry favorites, meaning no special trips to the store. Dive into the full details below!
I grew up watching my grandma cook with what she hada block of cheese from the fridge, leftover roasted chicken, pasta tucked behind the cereal. That resourceful, make-do spirit still guides how I cook today, and I’ve poured that same love into this recipe. After numerous tests, I’ve perfected the balance of creamy, cheesy, and tender that my family now asks for again and again. The secret to its depth? A hint of chicken broth that elevates the entire dish.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish has comfort written all over it. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks but tastes like a decadent restaurant meal.
Quick and practical: Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Effortless sauce: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce comes together right in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, minimizing dishes!
Pure comfort food: Twisty rotini pasta hugs that luscious sauce, while tender chicken adds satisfying heartiness.
Customizable: Whether you want to add fresh parsley or adjust the seasoning, this recipe is your delicious blank canvas.
Key Ingredients and Quantities (Refer to Recipe Card for Exacts)
Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1.5 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (the “secret” for added depth!)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredients Breakdown
No endless shopping lists herejust simple, everyday pantry staples you probably already have.
Ingredient
Purpose
Chicken breasts
The star of the dish, tender and juicy when seared to golden perfection.
Rotini pasta
Its twists and grooves hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Garlic cloves
Adds that warm, fragrant, essential aromatic base to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Brings a sharp, nutty, and savory depth to the creamy sauce. Freshly grated is always best!
Heavy cream
For that luscious, velvety, and truly indulgent creamy texture.
Chicken broth
Adds a layer of savory depth to the sauce without making it too richmy little “secret” ingredient!
Butter and olive oil
A classic pairing for both sautéing the chicken and building the sauce’s flavor.
Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
The perfect versatile seasoning trio for the chicken and to balance the sauce.
Fresh parsley (optional)
A vibrant, fresh, herby garnish that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Step-by-Step: Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Don’t worry if you’re new to cookingthis process is super straightforward, and I’ve broken it into simple, easy-to-follow steps for you.
Prepare the chicken: Trim and pat dry the chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Set the chicken aside on a cutting board to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute.
Cook the pasta: While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then toss the pasta with a touch of butter to prevent sticking.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, luscious, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss and plate: Slice the rested chicken into strips or dice into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked rotini pasta to the sauce in the skillet and toss until it’s fully coated and warm. Plate the pasta, top with the sliced chicken, and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep them just as delicious as the first bite, ensuring maximum flavor and safety.
Step
Instructions
Storage
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even a bit of chicken broth to the pasta before reheating; this will help restore the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent it from drying out or separating.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this dish. Cream-based sauces like this one tend to separate and become grainy or watery upon thawing and reheating, significantly affecting the texture.
Pro Tips and Tasty Tweaks
This recipe is delicious as-is, but here are a few ways you can make it even better or adapt it to your preferences:
Golden sear: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that beautiful, crispy, golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary.
Cheesy boost: Add an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano) on top before serving for even more cheesy flair and a richer flavor.
Herb swap: No parsley? Try fresh basil, chives, or even a pinch of dried thyme or oregano (added with the garlic) for a new aromatic twist.
Ahead of time: You can cook the chicken and pasta separately in advance. Store them covered in the fridge. Reheat the chicken gently, warm the pasta with the sauce (adding a splash of liquid), and assemble right before serving for a quicker dinner.
Add some greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or finely chopped kale into the sauce during the last minute of simmering for added nutrition and color.
Expert Insight: Mastering Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
This dish balances rich, savory flavors with creamy textures that melt in your mouth. The key is gently simmering the garlic and Parmesan to create a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the twisted pasta, enhancing every bite of the chicken. It’s a classic technique that elevates comfort food to gourmet.
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The Long Road to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
It took a handful of kitchen experiments before I finally nailed this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. At first, the sauce was too thin or the pasta overcooked, but with each try, I learned the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tender that my family now asks for again and again. Every chef’s journey has its trials, and perfecting this recipe truly taught me the nuances of building a perfect cream sauce.
FAQs ( Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta )
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Sear on medium-high heat until golden, then simmer gently in the sauce to finish cooking. Using thin chicken breasts helps them cook evenly without drying. Rest the chicken a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Can I make this recipe ahead and reheat?
This meal reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the sauce, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
What pasta works best with this dish?
Twisted pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli hold the creamy sauce nicely, enhancing every bite. You can also use penne or rigatoni if preferred. Cook pasta al dente to provide a perfect texture balance with the rich sauce.
Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
Parmesan gives the dish its classic sharp and nutty flavor, but you can substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar taste. Avoid mild cheeses that melt too much or lack the salty depth. Always grate cheese fresh for best results.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten this recipe, use skinless chicken breasts and whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping creaminess. Adding steamed veggies like spinach or broccoli also boosts nutrition.
Conclusion
Our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a true weeknight heroready in just over half an hour and easy enough to feel like second nature in your kitchen. You’ll absolutely love how tender the chicken stays, wrapped in that luscious, cheesy sauce that perfectly hugs every twist of pasta.
For a fun twist, try swapping parsley for fresh basil or stirring in some sautéed spinach for extra greens at the end. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for a couple of daysjust warm gently with a splash of cream or broth to bring back that silky texture, a neat tip I picked up from my favorite home cooks. This recipe is simple, flexible, and oh-so-homey.
Give this recipe a whirl and share your family’s favorite tweaks or memories. Did you grow up with a dish like this, too? Pass it along to someone who loves cozy, wholesome mealsthey’ll certainly thank you. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
Yesica Andrews
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Delight
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the perfect Dinners Pasta option, combining juicy seared chicken and rich, garlicky parmesan sauce with buttery rotini pasta. This Meal Dinner Ideas recipe is indulgent, satisfying, and simple to prepare, making it a top choice for a comforting and flavorful dinner. Enjoy a delicious Chicken Pasta Dish that’s great for weeknights or any time you crave a hearty pasta meal.
Trim and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
Boil rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little butter.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
Slice the chicken into strips. Toss the pasta in the sauce until fully coated.
Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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