If you’re craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish without leaving your kitchen, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the perfect solution. Tender golden-seared chicken, smothered in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, paired with pasta that clings to every drop of creaminess—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or planning a cozy date night, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and easy. Even better? It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Weeknight-friendly, yet elegant enough for entertaining.
- Creamy & Cheesy: A luscious garlic Parmesan sauce that coats every twist of pasta.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, pasta types, or make it lighter with simple variations.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Save money while enjoying better-than-takeout flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish irresistible:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless for easy cooking. (Sub: chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu).
- Olive Oil & Butter – The perfect duo for searing and flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable for bold flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the silky base of the sauce. (Sub: half-and-half or whole milk + cornstarch slurry).
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for best melt and flavor. (Sub: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano).
- Mozzarella – Adds a stretchy, cheesy finish.
- Chicken Broth – Lightens the sauce and adds savory depth.
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, Italian herbs.
- Twisted Pasta (Fusilli/Rotini) – Perfect shape for holding creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini) and cook until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook pasta. It will continue absorbing sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil + butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from pan, let rest, then slice.
💡 Pro Tip: Resting chicken for 5 minutes keeps it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and scrape brown bits from the pan (flavor boost!).
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and prevents a grainy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss well.
- Slice chicken and arrange on top.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve hot and enjoy a bowl of ultimate creamy comfort!
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or vegetarian tofu.
- Pasta Options: Penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle also work.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to prevent sauce from separating.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Always cook pasta al dente—sauce clings better.
- Fresh garlic > garlic powder for authentic depth of flavor.
- Use a mix of Parmesan + mozzarella for creamy + stretchy texture.
- A cast-iron skillet works best for golden-seared chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy chicken pasta with:
- Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks
- Caesar salad or roasted vegetables
- A crisp white wine (like Chardonnay) or sparkling lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and combine with fresh pasta before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, but creamy sauces can change texture. Reheat slowly with extra cream or broth.
Q: How do I thicken my sauce?
Simmer longer, or stir in extra Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry.
Q: Which pasta shape is best?
Twisted pastas (fusilli, rotini) are ideal because they trap sauce. Penne or shells also work.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a foolproof recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s rich, satisfying, and flexible enough to adapt to any occasion. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can bring restaurant-level flavor straight to your table in less than 30 minutes.
👉 Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to comfort meal.
