Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

If you crave comfort food that feels like a warm hug, this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything your dinner dreams are made of. Tender chicken, rich parmesan cream, and twisted pasta noodles come together in one satisfying dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight, but indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
The sauce clings perfectly to every spiral of pasta, wrapping it in velvety cheese and hints of roasted garlic. The juicy chicken adds savory depth, while a blend of parmesan and mozzarella creates that irresistible pull-away cheesy goodness in every bite. One forkful and you’re hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish brings together cozy and creamy in the best possible way. It’s quick to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and the result is a skillet full of cheesy, garlicky joy. Perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become one of those comfort staples you return to over and over.
Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. Swap in your favorite pasta shape, add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or spice things up with a pinch of crushed red pepper. It’s creamy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing to the last bite.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
While you can technically use any pasta, twisted varieties like rotini or fusilli are the gold standard here. Their ridges and curves hold onto that dreamy garlic parmesan sauce like nothing else, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Penne or cavatappi also work great if you’re after that same saucy grip.
Avoid thinner pasta like angel hair, which won’t stand up well to the thickness of the cheese sauce. Stick with shapes that have texture and body, and your dish will be even more delicious.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
The magic of this dish lies in the balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Each ingredient plays a role in building richness and texture that brings comfort in every bite.
- Chicken breast – Lean and tender, this soaks up the creamy sauce while adding protein.
- Rotini pasta – Twisted shapes cling to the sauce and make every bite satisfyingly saucy.
- Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty, and essential for building flavor in the creamy base.
- Mozzarella cheese – Adds melty stretch and a mild creamy finish.
- Heavy cream – The heart of the sauce, giving it richness and silky smooth texture.
- Garlic cloves – Adds depth and that signature garlic-parmesan kick.
- Butter – Used to sauté garlic and add buttery smoothness to the sauce.
- Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken beautifully while adding a layer of richness.
- Salt – Enhances all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper – Adds subtle sharpness that balances the richness.
- Italian seasoning – Brings a herby note that ties the whole dish together.


How To Make the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well coated in the cheesy garlic parmesan mixture.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Serve hot with extra parmesan on top if desired. A sprinkle of parsley or crushed red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This pasta is best served fresh off the stove while the sauce is hot and velvety. It feeds about 4 generous portions, making it ideal for a family dinner or for sharing with friends.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or cream helps bring the sauce back to its creamy texture. Reheat over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring often.
This recipe also makes a fantastic meal prep option. Just store individual portions for easy lunches throughout the week.
What to Serve With Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Garlic Bread
A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce.
Caesar Salad
The crunch and tang of a classic Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Lightly charred broccoli adds texture and a bit of green to the plate.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Sweet and tangy Brussels sprouts are a flavorful companion to the creamy pasta.
Caprese Skewers
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a refreshing bite between forkfuls of cheesy pasta.
Sautéed Spinach with Lemon
This bright, citrusy side keeps the meal feeling fresh and not too heavy.
Crispy Chicken Cutlets
If you want to double down on the protein, serve with some extra crispy chicken cutlets.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Start your meal with a velvety bowl of soup that complements the pasta beautifully.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Comfort Food Twist?
If cheesy pasta is your love language, you’ll want to check out these next:
- Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky, rich dinner option.
- Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re in the mood for pillowy pasta.
- Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup when you want something spoonable and hearty.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for bite-sized indulgence.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine to add some bold buttery flair to your table.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rotini or something else? Add mushrooms? Maybe a little bacon?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and cozy comfort meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those meals that hits all the right notes. It’s simple to make but rich in flavor, creamy without being too heavy, and guaranteed to satisfy. With a few pantry staples and a bit of garlic magic, you can whip up this dreamy pasta dish any day of the week.
Print
Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food made with tender chicken breast, creamy garlic sauce, and melted parmesan cheese, all wrapped around perfectly cooked twisted pasta. This easy dinner recipe combines rich flavors and satisfying textures for a dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear both sides in the skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
5. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Meanwhile, cook twisted pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
7. Return sliced chicken to the pan and simmer in the creamy sauce for a few minutes.
8. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be al dente.
This dish thickens as it sits, so add a splash of cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg