If you’re craving something that brings comforting warmth and a creamy, cheesy hug to your dinner table, then this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe is here to steal your heart. Picture tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts nestled on a bed of tender twisted pasta, all smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with melty mozzarella or cheddar oozing through every bite. It’s a recipe that feels like home but tastes like a special treat, combining simple ingredients with big flavors in a way that’s sure to become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, creaminess, and texture. These essentials come together so effortlessly to create a dish that’s both indulgent and approachable.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and perfect for searing with spices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps crisp the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For extra flavor depth and creamy richness in the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, slightly pungent kick that elevates the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the sauce that creates luscious, velvety texture.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and essential for signature flavor and sauce thickening.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste and seasoning balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A delicate blend of herbs that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli): Perfect pasta shape for catching all that creamy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, irresistible cheesy strands.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds a pop of green freshness and aroma.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your twisted pasta according to the package’s instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta retains a slight bite which contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce that follows. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside—ready to soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning for that aromatic punch. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, locking in juices and flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for juicy, tender slices later.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, gently sauté your minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the magic begins. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until you notice it starting to simmer gently. Then, add your grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth. Season with more salt and pepper if needed, adjusting to your perfect taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Now it’s time to bring everything together: add your cooked twisted pasta straight into the sauce and stir well to coat every twist and curl with creamy goodness. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the sauce and allow it to melt, creating a beautifully cheesy texture that ties the whole dish together with gooey brilliance.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice your rested chicken breasts into thick, juicy pieces and arrange them either on top of or alongside the cheesy pasta. Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish for that fresh, herbaceous lift. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, a little more Parmesan on top never hurts!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil not only adds vibrant color but also a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of this dish. A few extra shavings of Parmesan bring a lovely salty finish and make every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This hearty, creamy main pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Light steamed broccoli or green beans add texture contrast and a splash of healthy greens that balance the indulgence perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the cheese-tossed pasta in small individual bowls topped with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of herbs. Alternatively, plate the pasta in a shallow dish with chicken slices fanned out on top, drizzled with extra sauce for a rustic, inviting look that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it perfect for next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the chicken and pasta together in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain that creamy quality.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating is okay for quick meals, but stirring halfway through helps keep everything creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli is ideal for catching the sauce, penne or farfalle would also work beautifully with this recipe.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lighter cheese option, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich or creamy. Also, using chicken breast is already a lean choice!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just choose your favorite gluten-free twisted pasta to keep the same delightful texture without gluten worries.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be golden on both sides. Cutting into the thickest part should reveal no pinkness.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to maintain that perfect sear and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe has all the hallmarks of a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s comforting yet elegant, rich but balanced, and so satisfying that it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and dive into a plateful of cheesy, garlicky goodness that feels like a warm hug on a busy day—it’s truly comfort food at its finest.
Print
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: American
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts served alongside twisted pasta coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella or cheddar and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce seasoning)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well 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. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 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 the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously as it begins to simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and allow it to melt fully into the sauce.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them atop or alongside the cheesy twisted pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For best results, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Feel free to use any twisted pasta shape such as rotini or fusilli.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh pop of flavor and color.
