Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is comfort food at its finest rich, flavorful, and loaded with savory goodness. Juicy seared chicken breasts are nestled in a luscious garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked twisted pasta and finished with a blanket of melty Parmesan. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together with simple pantry staples. Perfect for cozy weeknights or easy entertaining!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Optional: Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    Cook twisted pasta according to package directions until al dente.
    Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    Remove from pan and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
    Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
    Add Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Let sauce thicken slightly.
  4. Combine:
    Slice the cooked chicken.
    Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
    Nestle chicken slices on top or mix into the pasta.
  5. Serve:
    Spoon onto plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness.

Variations

  1. Swap the Chicken for Shrimp or Salmon
    For a seafood twist, use shrimp or seared salmon instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly just 2–3 minutes per side and pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Salmon adds richness and depth; be sure to pan-sear it with the skin on for extra crispness.
  2. Make it Spicy
    Add red pepper flakes (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) when sautéing the garlic to give the sauce a gentle kick. For more heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the cream.
  3. Add Veggies for Color and Nutrition
    Fold in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or peas before combining the pasta and sauce. This not only adds a pop of color but also makes the dish more balanced and nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking Notes

  1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
    Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to sear until just cooked through, 165°F internally then remove from the pan. Let them rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
  2. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan for the Best Melt
    Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate fresh Parmesan yourself for a creamier, more luxurious sauce.
  3. Reserve a Little Pasta Water
    Before draining the pasta, save ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of this will help loosen it up without watering down the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with a Side Salad
    A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the creamy pasta. Try arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemony dressing for contrast.
  2. Add Garlic Bread or Focaccia
    A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. Garlic bread adds a punch of flavor, while focaccia brings a soft, herby finish to the meal.
  3. Pair with White Wine or Sparkling Water
    A glass of chilled Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy, garlicky notes of the dish and refreshes the palate between bites.

Tips

  1. Butterfly the Chicken for Faster Cooking
    If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This reduces cooking time and ensures more even searing.
  2. Simmer the Sauce Gently
    Avoid boiling the cream sauce, it can separate or curdle. Keep the heat low and stir continuously while adding the Parmesan to help it melt smoothly.
  3. Toss the Pasta While Hot
    Combine the hot pasta with the sauce immediately after draining. The heat helps the sauce cling better to each twist and curl, locking in flavor and creaminess.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 45g
  • Sodium: 520mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta, and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
  2. What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?
    Twisted pastas like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi are ideal they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. But feel free to use penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.
  3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
    Whole milk can be used in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. To help it along, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the melted butter before pouring in the milk, to create a quick roux base.
  4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
    This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and make the sauce and pasta fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate comfort food simple to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or indulging in a quiet night in, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its silky sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta curls, every bite is rich, cozy, and downright irresistible. Don’t forget the extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top you’ve earned it.

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is comfort food at its finest rich, flavorful, and loaded with savory goodness. Juicy seared chicken breasts are nestled in a luscious garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked twisted pasta and finished with a blanket of melty Parmesan. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together with simple pantry staples. Perfect for cozy weeknights or easy entertaining!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • Optional: Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    Cook twisted pasta according to package directions until al dente.
    Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    Remove from pan and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
    Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
    Add Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Let sauce thicken slightly.
  4. Combine:
    Slice the cooked chicken.
    Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
    Nestle chicken slices on top or mix into the pasta.
  5. Serve:
    Spoon onto plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in garlic and olive oil before cooking.
  • Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a veggie boost.
  • Can be made gluten-free by using your favorite GF pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy rotini pasta

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