If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to every twist of pasta. The melty gooey cheese folded in adds that extra comfort factor, making every bite rich, satisfying, and utterly crave-worthy. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend celebration, this recipe delivers classic flavors with a twist that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, combining to create a perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture. From the juicy chicken to the velvety sauce and cheesy pasta, each component plays a vital role in making this dish shine.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up the seasoning and cooks beautifully in the skillet.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, subtle depth and helps sear the chicken to a golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances richness and helps create that luscious sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic punch and layers of flavor to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the silky, indulgent body to coat the pasta and meld flavors.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives a hint of herbaceous warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides smoked depth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli): Perfectly shaped to hold onto the rich sauce in every twist.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts delightfully into the sauce, adding gooey cheesiness.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: A pop of freshness and color to brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli. Cooking it until just al dente ensures it has the perfect bite that holds up against the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the flavorful chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, generously season your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These spices will create a beautifully aromatic and slightly smoky crust, infusing the meat with layers of savory goodness that shine through once cooked.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter creates a perfect searing environment. Lay the chicken breasts in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, allowing a golden crust to form. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and let it rest — this step ensures juicy and tender slices later.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (which now holds all those flavorful brown bits), sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant — it’s amazing how a little garlic can completely elevate the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until it begins to simmer, loosening all those browned bits and layering flavor into your sauce.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Season
Next, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream, stirring constantly until it melts and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper if needed. This step is where that oh-so-delicious creamy texture really comes alive.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Melt Cheese
Now it’s time to bring it all together: add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring to coat every twist and turn with the creamy goodness. Then fold in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, letting it melt gently into the sauce, adding an irresistible gooey texture that takes the dish to the next level.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice your rested chicken breasts into juicy, tender pieces and either pile them on top of the cheesy pasta or serve alongside. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts either!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make a big difference — bright fresh parsley or basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness that lighten the richness of the dish beautifully. You can also dust with a bit more Parmesan or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This meal can shine on its own, but if you’re feeling like rounding things out, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables bring welcome texture and balance. Light lemon vinaigrette on a mixed greens salad is particularly lovely here, cutting through the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with layered slices of chicken fanned on top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for shine. You can also try baking the combined creamy pasta and chicken briefly to create a golden bubbly crust on top — a delightful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The creamy sauce keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save the dish for longer, freezing is an option but with some caution — creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce, then gently reheat together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the smooth texture of the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling. Microwaving in short bursts with stirring also works well.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli is ideal for catching the creamy sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would work wonderfully too.
Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?
Yes, heavy cream is key to achieving that rich, velvety texture of the sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, keeping in mind the sauce won’t be as thick or indulgent.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some swaps, yes! Use dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan and cheese substitutes to recreate similar flavors while accommodating dietary needs.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should feel firm to the touch and have clear juices. Resting the chicken after cooking ensures juiciness.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken and pasta early, and assemble and heat the sauce right before serving. This keeps flavors fresh and sauce creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort meal. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to impress company. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe time and again for that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky deliciousness. So grab those ingredients and get cooking — your new favorite dinner awaits!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, paired with cheesy, perfectly cooked twisted pasta. Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it come to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked twisted pasta into the sauce and stir to coat all the noodles evenly. Then stir in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Serve the creamy cheesy pasta on plates and arrange the sliced chicken on top or alongside. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less thick.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer; twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli holds the sauce well.
- Cook chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For added flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for mild heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
