Description
Looking for a rich and satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta is everything you love—tender, golden-seared chicken breast layered over rotini pasta coated in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It’s one of the best easy dinner ideas out there, perfect for anyone craving a cozy, flavorful, and indulgent meal. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, delicious comfort food, or new pasta recipe inspiration, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. A great addition to your quick dinner recipes, food ideas, or easy recipe rotation!
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 handful fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let it rest.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps.
6. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3–4 minutes, then stir in parmesan, mozzarella, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
8. Slice the rested chicken and place over the pasta.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and more red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce—avoid the pre-shredded kind.
Let your chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
If the sauce gets too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it perfectly without diluting the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, parmesan chicken, pasta ideas, comfort food