Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the kind of comfort food I crave after a long day. With tender chicken smothered in a velvety garlic-parmesan sauce and paired with cheesy, perfectly cooked pasta spirals, this dish is a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing rich, homemade flavor. The garlic parmesan sauce is creamy and flavorful, coating the juicy chicken in every bite. The twisted pasta adds fun texture, and the added cheese makes it irresistibly indulgent. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made right in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil or butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
Shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by cooking the twisted pasta in salted water until al dente. I drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat some olive oil or butter over medium heat, then add the chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I cook until it’s golden and fully cooked through.
I remove the chicken and in the same pan, I sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes before stirring in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
I return the chicken to the pan and coat it well with the sauce.
In a separate pot or bowl, I toss the cooked pasta with shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend until it melts and becomes gooey.
To serve, I plate the cheesy pasta and top it with the creamy garlic parmesan chicken. A sprinkle of parsley finishes the dish beautifully.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey cutlets for a different protein.
For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
I add baby spinach or steamed broccoli into the sauce for extra veggies.
To kick up the heat, I include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I’ve also tried it with different cheeses like asiago or gouda for a twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta and warm it on the stovetop over low heat to restore the creamy texture. It can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring between each to heat evenly.

FAQs

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

I always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, and the juices run clear.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I often use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. I just warm it in the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

I’ve used unsweetened coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives with success, though the flavor will differ slightly.

What kind of pasta works best?

I prefer twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli because it holds the sauce well, but penne or shells also work great.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing it as the cream sauce may separate when thawed and reheated, but the components can be stored separately and assembled fresh.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta brings rich, comforting flavors to my dinner table with minimal effort. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and a go-to when I want something warm and hearty. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe always hits the spot.