Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Optional Broil
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings together twisted pasta, juicy chicken, and a luxuriously creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this easy recipe is a restaurant-quality dish made with everyday ingredients. From quick dinner ideas to indulgent food ideas for the whole family, this hearty and flavorful pasta is sure to become one of your favorite dinner ideas.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon garlic powder

0.5 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

12 ounces twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)

Salt for boiling water

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic finely minced

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

0.5 cup reserved pasta water

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Extra grated parmesan (optional)

Red pepper flakes (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add twisted pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.

4. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

5. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.

6. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Reduce heat and stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

8. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add sliced chicken and combine well.

9. Optional: Transfer to oven-safe dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.

10. Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra parmesan before serving.


Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan and real cream for the richest, silkiest sauce.

Don’t forget to reserve pasta water — it’s your best tool to adjust sauce consistency.

Sear the chicken until just cooked and let it rest for juicy, tender bites.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: easy dinner, pasta recipe, creamy garlic chicken, comfort food, dinner ideas, quick dinner, food ideas