If you’re craving a dish that combines indulgent creaminess with comforting pasta and perfectly seasoned chicken, you have to try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe. It’s a dish that wraps tender chicken breasts in a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce, all tossed with twisted pasta that holds onto every bit of cheesy goodness. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also super approachable, making it one of my absolute favorites to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each bringing an essential element to the final dish. From the richness of heavy cream to the bite of garlic and the melty magic of cheese, every component plays a role in creating that creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken perfectly.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce and cooking base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic punch that enhances the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious texture for the sauce.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, savory backbone to the cream sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs lending classic Italian aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky note and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli): Its nooks and curls are perfect for holding sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts into the pasta for extra cheesy appeal.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds fresh flavor and a pop of green to finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the twisted pasta in salted boiling water until it’s perfectly al dente. This texture is important because it should provide a slight bite that contrasts beautifully with the cream sauce. Once done, drain and set aside to prepare for saucing.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, generously season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These spices not only give the chicken a flavorful crust but also complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they develop a gorgeous golden color and are cooked through. Let the chicken rest afterward to keep it juicy and tender before slicing.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—around 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to simmer. Then, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens into that signature creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked twisted pasta to your skillet with the sauce, stirring to fully coat each piece. Then fold in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar, allowing it to melt and make the sauce irresistibly gooey and cheesy. This step transforms the dish into pure comfort food heaven.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them on top of or alongside the cheesy pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top for that final savory touch.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are ideal for garnishing this dish. They not only add a vibrant splash of color but also bring a fresh, aromatic brightness that balances the richness of the sauce. A pinch of extra Parmesan sprinkled on top can add that crave-worthy salty finish.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider light and crisp sides like a green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. Their freshness and slight crunch contrast perfectly with the creamy pasta and tender chicken, creating a well-balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced and fanned out over the pasta in a deep bowl to highlight the layers of flavors. You can also bake the cheesy pasta in a casserole dish until bubbly and golden on top for a delightful texture variation that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the creamy sauce from drying out.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. To freeze, pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently to heat evenly without separating the sauce or drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli works best because it holds onto the sauce, you can also use penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti depending on your preferences.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses regular pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile but still result in a creamy, satisfying dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time varies slightly by thickness, but a golden crust and clear juices when pierced are good indicators of doneness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead and gently reheat it before mixing with pasta and chicken. Just be sure to stir well and add a little liquid to smooth it out if it thickened too much in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe is a triumph of comfort food that feels both special and surprisingly simple to prepare. Its rich, silky sauce paired with tender chicken and cheesy pasta makes every bite a treat worth savoring. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again for friends, family, or a cozy night in. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!
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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
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dinner recipe featuring perfectly seared chicken breasts bathed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, served alongside deliciously cheesy twisted pasta. This meal combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience, ready in just 35 minutes.
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 (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 salted water to a boil and cook twisted pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until it starts to simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce and stir to fully coat the pasta. Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce completely.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts. Serve the sliced chicken over or alongside the cheesy twisted pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce consistency.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella or cheddar with any cheese of your choice to customize the dish.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a nice touch of color and freshness when serving.
