Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

If you’re ready for a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is here to win your weeknight dinner game. Think juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce, then swirled together with twisty pasta for the ultimate comfort bite. This dish packs bold flavor and cozy nostalgia into one easy skillet, making it perfect for everything from special occasions to busy nights when you want to savor something truly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta comes together with simple, everyday staples, each carefully chosen to add depth and satisfaction. From the rich cream to that mountain of Parmesan, every ingredient pulls its weight in taste and texture.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken brings tender, juicy protein to every bite, but thighs also work for extra flavor and moistness.
• Twisted Pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi): The spirals soak up all that cheesy, creamy sauce, making each forkful irresistibly saucy.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning the chicken, as well as building the silky sauce base.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing, it brings a hint of fruitiness and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust.
• Fresh Garlic: Four full cloves for bold, aromatic flavor that’s key to the dish’s warm, garlicky backbone.
• Chicken Broth: Scrapes up all the flavor left in the pan and becomes the foundation for a deeply savory sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously thick and glossy, perfect for clinging to every pasta twist.
• Parmesan Cheese: The star of the show—nutty, sharp, and beautifully melty for true cheesy goodness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage to pull out the best in each ingredient.
• Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end livens everything up with color and a touch of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels; this little step makes a world of difference for browning. Then, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper—it’s the first building block for delicious flavor in your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Set the cooked chicken aside to rest; those flavorful juices will stay right where you want them!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then add the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until wonderfully fragrant. It’s the perfect aromatic base for the creamy, cheesy magic that follows.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all those browned, flavorful bits from the bottom of your pan. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens gently. Now, add your Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and gloriously cheesy—season with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is bubbling away, cook your twisted pasta in generously salted water until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain. Twisted pasta really sets Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta apart, because all those nooks capture extra sauce!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Slice your rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss to coat everything in that luscious sauce. If you’d like it a tad looser, just stir in some reserved pasta water a splash at a time.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta piping hot so that each bite delivers the perfect blend of creamy sauce, hearty chicken, and cheesy pasta.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a subtle herbal note that balances the creaminess. For extra impact, try a quick dusting of additional shredded Parmesan or a grind of black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta with a crisp green salad (think arugula or romaine dressed with lemon vinaigrette) or oven-roasted vegetables for a complete and colorful meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in shallow pasta bowls, letting the chicken slices fan out over a nest of creamy, twisted noodles. For a family-style gathering, arrange everything on a big platter and offer extra Parmesan and fresh herbs at the table for everyone to sprinkle as they please.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container so the sauce maintains its flavor and the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. Make sure your leftovers are fully cooled, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or additional cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through—microwave reheating also works, just use low power and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi holds the sauce best, you can substitute with penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and a touch of cream for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind, you’ll lose some richness, but it will still taste amazing.

What other cheeses work if I don’t have Parmesan?

While Parmesan is the star, pecorino romano or asiago can be swapped in for a similar salty, nutty edge. A blend of both is delicious if you want to switch things up!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli can be mixed in for added nutrition and flavor. Just stir them in before combining the chicken and pasta with the sauce.

What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?

The key is not to overcook it—use a meat thermometer and take the chicken off the heat as soon as it hits 165°F, then let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and returning to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta becomes one of your most-loved recipes. It’s not just the dreamy sauce or the tender chicken—it’s the way everything comes together in a craveable, comforting bowl. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table!

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