If you are craving a meal that delivers rich flavor, comforting creaminess, and a satisfying cheesy twist, then look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, paired with perfectly cooked twisted pasta that holds every bit of that velvety sauce. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress friends or family, fully deserving a spot on your favorite recipe list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From fresh garlic that infuses bold aromatic notes, to creamy cheeses that melt into pure indulgence, every item is essential and easy to find.
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides juicy protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, gemelli, or cavatappi): Its swirled shape traps sauce for maximum creaminess in every bite.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps gently cook the garlic.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic that gives the dish its signature bold, savory profile.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Balances the sauce, adding depth without overpowering.
- 1.25 cups heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture that coats every forkful.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavors that build the signature parmesan base.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melted mozzarella adds stretchy, gooey indulgence.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that complements the garlic and cheeses perfectly.
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water: Enhances all flavors and seasons the pasta efficiently.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthiness.
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick to brighten the creamy richness.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild herbal note at the end.
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps loosen sauce and give it a silky, clingy texture.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with half the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for an even layer of flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear your chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This creates a golden crust that locks in juices, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken. Once cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to rest—this step keeps it succulent while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Twisted Pasta
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil and salt it generously. Cooking your twisted pasta to al dente ensures a perfect bite—enough firmness to stand up to the rich sauce yet tender enough to comfort. Before draining, reserve about half a cup to one cup of pasta water; this starchy water is magic for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet that held the chicken, melt butter over medium heat and add your minced garlic. Let it cook until it’s fragrant but not browned, about 30 to 60 seconds—this releases the garlic’s sweet, mellow flavor. Next, pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits off the pan for added depth. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat slightly to avoid boiling.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese a handful at a time until it melts completely into the sauce, making it creamy and smooth without lumps. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella until it melts into that perfect gooey consistency. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat that balances the richness perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken in the Sauce
Slice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips, then toss the al dente pasta into the luscious sauce. Use reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce as needed, resulting in a glossy, silky finish that clings gorgeously to every twist of pasta. Fold the sliced chicken gently into the saucy pasta, making sure every bite has a generous amount of creamy garlic parmesan goodness.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese on top for color and that last burst of flavor. Serve immediately while it’s warm and oh-so comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley not only brightens up the dish with its vivid green color but also adds a mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. For an extra flourish, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese right before serving to enhance the cheesy aroma and texture sensation.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. These lighter accompaniments bring balance by adding crunch and freshness to complement the creamy, cheesy pasta. Crusty bread or garlic knots also make wonderful partners to sop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls to highlight the beautiful twisted pasta shapes and creamy sauce. For gatherings, consider plating it family-style on a large platter garnished with parsley and Parmesan for an inviting centerpiece that encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as enjoyable when reheated carefully.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, although fresh is always best for creamy sauces. If you do freeze it, place the cooled pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing, but it will still be tasty.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and gently warm on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to restore that creamy texture without breaking the sauce or drying out the chicken. Microwave is okay for a quick reheat, but be sure to stir halfway through and add moisture if it looks dry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because their higher fat content keeps them extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your pieces are thicker.
What twisted pasta shapes work best?
Rotini, gemelli, or cavatappi are ideal because their curves and twists trap sauce perfectly, making every bite creamy and delicious. Feel free to experiment with other shapes, though, depending on what you like!
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, whole milk combined with a bit of cream cheese or a roux can work, but it won’t have quite the same rich texture. For a dairy-free twist, coconut cream paired with dairy-free cheeses could be tried.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize it, swap chicken for plant-based proteins like tofu or seitan, and use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. Keep the garlic and seasoning the same to maintain those savory layers of flavor.
How do I avoid the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat gentle when adding cheese and cream, and whisk continuously to combine smoothly. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, as this can cause separation.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe soon. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort and joy in every bite, perfect for treating yourself or impressing others with minimal effort. Once you try it, it may become your instant go-to whenever you crave something cheesy, creamy, and downright delicious.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a delicious, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served atop a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce mixed with cheesy, al dente twisted pasta. This recipe balances rich creaminess and savory flavors with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, patted dry and cutlets
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, gemelli, or cavatappi)
- Kosher salt, for pasta water
- 0.5 – 1 cup reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.25 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp kosher salt (additional, to taste)
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 0.5 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from skillet and place on a plate; cover loosely with foil to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 0.5 to 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom to incorporate into the sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella until fully melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste, and optional red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a glossy, silky texture. Fold in the sliced chicken to warm through in the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and chicken mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, let it rest covered for 5 minutes before slicing.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor instead of pre-grated varieties.
- Optional red pepper flakes add subtle heat; omit for milder taste.
- Ensure not to overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
