Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
There’s something magical about the moment garlic hits melted butter in a hot pan—the aroma alone can bring everyone to the kitchen. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta captures that moment perfectly. It’s comfort food at its best—rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—with a silky sauce that clings to every twist of pasta and tender slice of chicken.
It’s one of those dishes that feels like it came from a restaurant kitchen, yet it’s beautifully simple to make at home. Perfectly seasoned chicken, a creamy parmesan sauce with hints of garlic and butter, and twisted pasta (like rotini or gemelli) that soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce—it’s a recipe destined for your regular rotation.
Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat after a long day, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz (225 g) twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or gemelli)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat well. Stir in the mozzarella (or fontina) cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Slice and add chicken: Slice the seared chicken and return it to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy pasta. Spoon sauce over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Serve warm and watch it disappear fast!
Cozy Kitchen Notes
This dish hits the sweet spot between indulgent and approachable. The garlic butter base sets the tone, while the cream and cheese transform everything into a luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. The twisted noodles do more than look pretty—they trap bits of cheese, garlic, and sauce, creating bursts of flavor in every bite.
For a little brightness, you can squeeze a hint of lemon juice over the finished dish. It lifts the richness and adds a restaurant-style polish.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear chicken in olive oil over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Melt butter in skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add broth and cream, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning, simmer until creamy.
- Add pasta and mozzarella, tossing until coated. Add pasta water as needed.
- Slice chicken, add to skillet, spoon sauce over, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Variations & Add-Ins
- Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in baby spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes just before adding the chicken for an Italian-inspired upgrade.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet after searing the chicken for extra umami flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes turns this creamy pasta into a zesty delight.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly for a lighter, yet still creamy sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can cause the sauce to clump.
- Don’t overheat the cream: Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
- Save your pasta water: The starch in it helps bind the sauce and gives that professional silky finish.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Cream sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Story Corner
This dish was inspired by one of those evenings when comfort food calls but the clock says “keep it simple.” I had chicken, a handful of pasta, and a wedge of parmesan in the fridge—the basics of a perfect dinner. With a little butter and garlic magic, the sauce came together in minutes, transforming a few humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
As it simmered, the kitchen filled with that cozy aroma of garlic, cream, and cheese—one that seems to say, “You’re home.” It’s a meal that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent, the kind of dinner you’ll crave again and again.
So grab a fork, swirl up a bite of that cheesy pasta with a slice of tender chicken, and taste pure comfort.
