Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Okay, friend this one’s going straight into the comfort food hall of fame. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is everything you want in a hearty dinner: juicy, flavorful chicken, a luxuriously rich parmesan garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that’s hugged by melty cheese. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, and trust me, you’ll be dreaming about the leftovers (if there are any!).

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile:

Perfect for weeknights or special dinners. You can switch up the pasta type or add extra veggies this one plays nice with just about anything.

Budget-Friendly:

Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry, but delivers restaurant-level flavor.

Quick and Easy:

You don’t need a culinary degree to make this beauty it comes together in one pan and one pot with very little fuss.

Customizable:

Swap the chicken for shrimp, add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or spice things up with a little red pepper—make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Creamy? Check. Cheesy? Check. Garlic-loaded goodness? Check. Everyone at the table is going to be fighting for seconds.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

This dish may sound fancy, but it’s built on down-to-earth, feel-good ingredients that deliver big flavor. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy, and seasoned just right they soak up all that rich sauce like a dream.
Twisted Pasta (like rotini or fusilli): These little spirals are perfect for catching every drop of cheesy sauce.
Garlic: The flavor backbone of this recipe fragrant, bold, and totally irresistible.
Heavy Cream: Adds the velvety richness that makes this sauce pure magic.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty it’s the star of that dreamy sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretch and extra cheesiness for the ultimate creamy bite.
Butter: Helps build the sauce and adds flavor depth to the chicken.
Chicken Broth: Lightens the cream just enough and gives the sauce a savory boost.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential to balance and enhance all the other flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment:

If you’re baking the final dish or keeping it warm, preheat your oven to 350°F. Otherwise, grab your largest skillet and a pasta pot.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil your twisted pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Don’t overcook you want it to hold up in the sauce.

Sear the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt butter and sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant about a minute or so. Don’t let it burn!

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those golden bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.

Slice and Return the Chicken:

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, letting it soak up all that creamy goodness.

Add the Pasta:

Fold in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat every piece with the sauce. Let it sit for a minute so everything melds together.

Finish and Serve:

Top with extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy, and pop under the broiler for a minute or two if you want a golden cheesy crust. Otherwise, serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 600–700

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few sides that take it over the top:

A crisp Caesar or garden salad with tangy vinaigrette
Roasted or steamed green beans or broccoli
Garlic bread or warm rolls to mop up that extra sauce
A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Don’t skimp on the garlic—it’s the heart of the flavor.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Add baby spinach or cherry tomatoes if you want to sneak in some veggies.
Double the recipe—it’s even better the next day!

FAQ’s

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti works just pick something that holds sauce well.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Add a little more cheese if you want it thicker.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s cheesy, creamy, and not too spicy kids usually gobble it up.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Can I make it low-carb?
You can use zoodles or low-carb pasta alternatives. The creamy chicken is totally keto-friendly.
What cheese is best besides parmesan and mozzarella?
Fontina, gouda, or provolone can work great for a melty twist.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I freeze this?
It’s not ideal cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. But if you must, freeze in portions and reheat gently.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor yet super easy to whip up on a busy night. Whether you’re serving it to impress guests or just treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers every single time. So grab a fork, twirl that pasta, and enjoy the cheesy magic. You’ve totally got this!