Sally Thompson
I love how simple comfort in a skillet can transform into something truly special—I remember the first time I cooked this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta, I felt like I’d found the perfect weeknight indulgence. The aroma of garlic and Parmesan melting into a rich, velvety sauce, paired with juicy, golden-brown chicken and tender rotini… it just hits all the right notes. And the best part? It doesn’t feel pretentious—it’s achievable, satisfying, and totally worth every minute.
As I stirred the sauce and watched the cheese melt into creamy perfection, I knew I’d found a go-to recipe that strikes a beautiful balance between easy and impressive. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or treating myself after a long day, this dish delivers that warm, homemade hug you crave.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Garage-style comfort: It gives that homemade, cozy vibe—without hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy + savory magic: A buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce clings to the rotini, enveloping every twist and turn with flavor.
- Protein-packed satisfaction: Tender chicken breasts add the heartiness you need for a full, balanced meal.
- Kid-friendly & versatile: It’s easy to customize—swap in veggies or use different pasta shapes for variety.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
I love using twisted rotini for this dish because its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Farfalle, penne, or even fusilli are great alternatives if you don’t have rotini—just stick with a shape that can capture all that garlic-Parmesan goodness.
Options for Substitutions
- Chicken Variation: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat—that richer flavor works nicely here.
- Milk Swap: If you’re out of heavy cream, whole milk with a touch of cream cheese or butter can mimic the velvety texture with just a bit lighter feel.
- Cheese Alternatives: Don’t have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano offers a sharper bite, and shredded Asiago brings a lovely nuttiness to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs—just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
Ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Chicken breasts – provide tender, lean protein and soak up the garlic-Parmesan sauce.
- Twisted pasta (rotini or similar) – its spirals trap the rich sauce, ensuring every bite is coated.
- Garlic – adds a fragrant, bold flavor that elevates the creaminess.
- Butter – creates the smooth, rich base that harmonizes the garlic and cheese.
- Heavy cream – brings luscious creaminess and helps bind the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – delivers savory depth and sharp, umami-rich character.
- Salt & pepper – essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall flavors.
- Fresh parsley – offers a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook just until al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water before draining—this starchy water helps loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165 °F). Transfer to a plate and let rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with garlic bits in the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat every twist in creamy goodness. Nestle the chicken strips back into the pan so they’re bathed in sauce. Let everything warm together for a minute or two.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley (and extra Parmesan if you like) over the top. Give it one final gentle toss, then serve straight from the skillet or transfer to a warm serving dish. Enjoy!
How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Pasta: Al dente in about 8–10 minutes, depending on the brand—always check the package and pull it just shy of the recommended time.
- Chicken: Sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
- Sauce & assembly: Simmering the sauce and combining everything takes just 3–4 minutes more, for a total active cooking time of roughly 20–25 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Don’t skip the pasta water – Adding that starchy liquid helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta and prevents it from getting too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts more smoothly and has a more vibrant flavor than pre-shredded options.
- Avoid overcooking the garlic – Just a quick sauté (about 30 seconds) before adding cream keeps it fragrant, not burnt or bitter.
- Let the chicken rest – Resting helps juices redistribute, so your chicken stays moist when sliced.
- Adjust sauce consistency – If your sauce thickens too much, stir in more pasta water to loosen it without watering down the flavor.
- Taste and tweak – Give it a final taste—feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Using cold chicken straight from the fridge
This leads to uneven cooking. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing. - Overcrowding the skillet
Crowding reduces heat and leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook the chicken in batches if needed. - Overcooking the pasta
Remember it finishes cooking slightly in the sauce. Pull it early to keep that perfect al dente bite. - Burning the garlic
Garlic cooks fast. A light sauté is all it needs—once it turns golden, it’s time to add the cream. - Rushing the sauce
Let the cream simmer gently before adding cheese. Dumping cheese into boiling liquid can cause separation or graininess.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta?
Garlic Bread
The perfect mop for leftover sauce—crusty, buttery, and always welcome.
Caesar Salad
A crisp romaine salad with a bold, briny dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
Tomato Bruschetta
Light and zesty, this adds a fresh contrast and works great as a starter.
Roasted Broccoli
Tossed with olive oil and garlic, it brings a healthy crunch to the plate.
Steamed Asparagus with Lemon
Its brightness pairs beautifully with the creamy elements of the dish.
Caprese Skewers
Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing bite between forkfuls of pasta.
A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
The acidity helps cut through the richness of the sauce and ties the meal together.
Storage Instructions
Once your dish has cooled to room temperature (but no longer than 2 hours), transfer it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with a bit of moisture added.
Estimated Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving* |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 kcal |
| Protein | ~38 g |
| Fat | ~35 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~18 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sugars | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~750 mg |
*These estimates are based on using 6 oz chicken breast, 2 cups cooked rotini, 1 cup heavy cream, and ¾ cup Parmesan. Values can vary based on exact brands and portion size.
Storage Instructions
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container after cooling to room temperature (within 2 hours of cooking). Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
For extended storage, freeze the pasta and sauce (without garnish) in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently, again adding a bit of liquid to bring the sauce back to life.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on approximate ingredients):
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Protein: ~38 g
- Total Fat: ~35 g
- Saturated Fat: ~18 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugars: ~3 g
- Sodium: ~750 mg
These values assume 6 oz chicken breast, 2 cups cooked rotini, 1 cup heavy cream, and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese. Nutrient counts will vary with ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sauce consistency should I aim for?
You want a smooth, slightly thickened sauce that clings to the pasta but isn’t gluey. It should coat a spoon’s back, and when tossed with pasta, lightly coat each twist.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully—they’re juicier with a richer flavor. Sear them slightly longer until fully cooked (internal temp 165 °F), then slice and add back.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes—use whole milk combined with 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese or a knob of butter. It still yields creamy results, though slightly lighter on richness.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Low and slow is key. Keep the cream at a gentle simmer, gradually whisk in cheese off-heat if needed, and avoid boiling once cheese is added.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Of course! Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add them just before combining the pasta so they stay vibrant and tender.
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes—just swap in gluten‑free rotini or another twisty GF pasta. Adjust cooking time to the package instructions.
Can I prepare this ahead?
You can prep the chicken and cook the pasta ahead. Refrigerate both (separately), then reheat and combine with sauce within 2 days of prep.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce’s texture. Stir frequently until warm.
Conclusion
I hope this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta becomes one of your go-to comfort dinners. It’s flavorful, creamy, and surprisingly simple to pull together—guaranteed to please both weeknight cooks and casual dinner guests. Enjoy every cheesy, garlic-infused bite!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
A cozy and comforting one-pan meal where tender chicken and spiral pasta meet a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This dish is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total)
- 8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or similar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp butter (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until just al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
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Sear chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter or oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and 165 °F internal. Transfer to plate; let rest.
-
Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté ~30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Build sauce: Pour in heavy cream, bring to gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. If thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
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Combine: Slice chicken into strips. Add pasta to sauce, toss to coat. Nestle chicken slices into the pan and warm everything together for 1–2 minutes.
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Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
