Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Name: Ultimate 30-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz rotini pasta; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

30 de June de 2025

Creamy-Garlic-Parmesan-Chicken-with-Cheesy-Twisted-Pasta

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I’ve been making this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. There’s something magical about how the rich, garlicky sauce clings to every twist and turn of the pasta, making each bite absolutely irresistible. I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Oh, let me tell you, this dish is a game-changer! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!

Family-friendly – Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds, trust me!
Rich and creamy – The garlic parmesan sauce is so velvety, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
One-pan wonder – Less mess, less stress, more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Versatile – You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.

I make this at least once a week, and my kids always cheer when they see me pulling out the twisted pasta!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
8 oz rotini pasta (or any twisted pasta you love)

3 cloves of garlic, minced (I always add an extra clove because, well, garlic!)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (none of that pre-shredded stuff, okay?)
1 cup heavy cream (this is what makes our sauce dreamy)

2 tablespoons butter (I use salted, but unsalted works too)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for that perfect sear on the chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil if you’re out)

Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for that pop of color at the end)

See? Simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary!

Equipment Needed

Alright, let’s talk tools! You’ll need just a few basics for this recipe:

A good, heavy skillet (my trusty cast iron is perfect for this!)
A pot for boiling that pasta
A sharp knife (safety first, folks!)
A wooden spoon (my favorite kitchen tool!)
A grater for that fresh parmesan

That’s it! Nothing fancy, just the essentials to make magic happen in your kitchen.

How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. I like to set everything out in little bowls before I start—it makes the process so much smoother, and you won’t be scrambling for anything mid-recipe.

Cooking the Chicken

First, pat those chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear beautifully. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and that Italian seasoning. Heat your olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken. You’ll want to cook it for about 5-6 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest while you work on the rest of the dish—this keeps it juicy!

Preparing the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it well and toss it with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. I love how the butter adds a little extra richness to the pasta!

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Oh, the smell is just divine at this point! If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Combining and Serving

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce until every twist is beautifully coated. Plate the pasta, arrange the chicken strips on top, and drizzle any remaining sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. I like to serve this with an extra dusting of Parmesan and some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce!

Tips for Success

Oh, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that really make this dish shine! First, don’t rush the searing of the chicken—let it get that beautiful golden crust. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. And here’s a big one: save some pasta water before draining! A splash of that starchy water can help adjust your sauce consistency perfectly. Also, taste as you go—sometimes I add a bit more garlic because, well, why not? Just remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools, so keep it a little runner than you think it should be when serving.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Oh, this recipe is so versatile! You can swap the chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling fancy. Not a fan of garlic? Try adding some shallots instead—they’re milder but just as flavorful. For a veggie twist, toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. And if you’re craving some heat, a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce works wonders! I’ve even made this with gluten-free pasta for my friends with dietary restrictions, and it turned out amazing. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, this dish is a star on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. Some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce! For a lighter option, steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus work wonderfully. And don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine to complete the meal!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Let those leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 days. When reheating, just pop it in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep that sauce creamy. Trust me, it tastes just as good the next day! You can also freeze it for up to a month, though the pasta might soften a bit. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk nutrition! This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is pure comfort food, so it’s a bit indulgent. Each serving has about 650 calories, with 35g of fat (that’s where all the creamy goodness comes from!), 30g of protein to keep you full, and 50g of carbs for energy. Remember, these are just estimates based on standard ingredient values. The exact numbers might vary slightly depending on specific brands or exact measurements you use. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy this delicious meal as part of a varied diet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Oh, I get so many questions about this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta! Let me share some of the most common ones with you. Remember, there’s no wrong way to make this dish as long as it tastes good to you!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great in this cheesy garlic chicken pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes may vary slightly. The twisted noodles just hold that sauce so beautifully!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Ooh, I love some heat! Try adding ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic or a dash of hot sauce at the end. For serious spice lovers, some diced jalapeños in the sauce work wonders in this garlic butter chicken with pasta!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You sure can! Make the whole creamy parmesan chicken pasta recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

In a pinch, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of this chicken alfredo twist pasta. For an even lighter option, whole milk works too – just reduce the simmering time by a minute or two to prevent curdling. The sauce might be slightly less rich but still delicious!

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally and the juices run clear. For this garlic parmesan chicken recipe, I always check by cutting into the thickest part – no pink should remain, and it should feel firm but not rubbery!

Share Your Experience

Oh, I’d love to hear how your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta turned out! Did you add any special twists? Share your photos and stories in the comments – I read every single one and can’t wait to see your delicious creations!