Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta is an indulgent, flavor-packed dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken and perfectly cooked rotini pasta coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy yet elegant one-pan dinner that brings comfort food to a new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of bold, garlicky, cheesy flavor
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- A hearty, satisfying family dinner
- Perfect for both weeknights and special occasions
- Creamy and comforting texture
- Easy to customize with veggies or different proteins
- Cooks in 30 minutes or less
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- One-pot style for easier cleanup
- Pairs well with salad or garlic bread
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- rotini or fusilli pasta
- olive oil
- butter
- garlic cloves, minced
- Italian seasoning
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
- grated Parmesan cheese
- cream cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt cheeses: Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Combine: Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in sauce.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach
- Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
- Alternative protein: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free pasta
- Add veggies: Try broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals; add a splash of cream or broth if needed
- Freezing: Not ideal, as the cream sauce may separate
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it during the final step to heat through without drying it out.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Rotini or fusilli are great because they hold the creamy sauce well, but penne or cavatappi also work.
Can I substitute milk for the cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half is a better substitute for a creamy texture.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. Use or skip red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. Add a splash of cream if needed.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered a few extra minutes or stir in a little more Parmesan cheese.
What if I want it cheesier?
Add extra mozzarella or sprinkle some on top and broil for a bubbly finish.
What should I serve with it?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables all pair well.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep it at a gentle simmer—don’t boil once the cream is added.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes—cheesy, garlicky, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy night in, this one-pot dish delivers a delicious experience with minimal fuss.
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a garlic Parmesan cream sauce, served over cheesy rotini or fusilli pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined and coated with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg