Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and packed with comforting flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is here to steal the spotlight. Think tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite of twisted pasta. The creamy sauce is perfectly rich without being heavy, thanks to the perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and cheese.
This dish isn’t just satisfying to eat—it’s a visual stunner too. The twisted pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully, while the golden-seared chicken adds just the right contrast of color and texture. It feels like something you’d order at your favorite cozy bistro, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a romantic night in, this recipe is a winner every time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
This meal offers a restaurant-worthy taste with minimal effort. It delivers rich and savory satisfaction in every bite, while the garlicky cream sauce brings the whole dish together like a warm hug. It’s perfect for picky eaters, weeknight meals, or impressing guests. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile—you can switch the pasta, throw in greens, or even bake it into a casserole.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
While you can use any pasta shape here, twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli is ideal. Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy Parmesan sauce like a dream. If you want a slightly fancier twist, try gemelli or cavatappi. These shapes allow each forkful to deliver both cheesy sauce and tender chicken in perfect harmony.
Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
The beauty of this recipe is how everyday ingredients transform into something decadent and flavorful. Each component plays a role in building the richness, texture, and depth of flavor.
- Chicken breasts
- Twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
The chicken breasts provide a lean, tender protein that soaks up all the creamy sauce. Twisted pasta is the perfect base to catch and cling to every bit of cheesy goodness. Garlic cloves add that unmistakable depth, while heavy cream creates the luscious base of the sauce. Parmesan cheese is essential for nutty, salty flavor, and butter and olive oil work together to give richness and a perfect sear. The Italian seasoning enhances everything with warm herbal notes, and salt and pepper bring balance. Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color. For cheese lovers, mozzarella melts beautifully for an extra layer of gooey comfort.


How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, boil a pot of salted water and cook your twisted pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen it if needed.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. Slice the chicken and layer it on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese if using, and let it melt. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot while the sauce is silky and the cheese is melty. It’s rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
This dish is best served fresh off the stove while the sauce is warm and creamy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. It makes a satisfying meal for four hungry people, but can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. If you’re prepping ahead, you can cook the pasta and chicken separately, then reheat them in the sauce just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce and heat gently over medium-low to avoid curdling. Freezing isn’t ideal as the cream-based sauce may separate.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta?
Garlic Bread
A crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich sauce.
Roasted Broccoli
Its slight bitterness balances the creamy richness of the pasta dish and adds a fresh green element.
Caesar Salad
Crunchy romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan shavings offer a light, crisp contrast.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tangy glazed carrots complement the savory chicken beautifully.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Quick and healthy, it brings a nice earthy flavor without overpowering the dish.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Bright and juicy, this side adds refreshing acidity that cuts through the creamy sauce.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce on the Side
Double down on umami with a spoonful of mushroom sauce to drizzle over the pasta or chicken.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
Sometimes a simple drink is the best side. A fizzy lemon water helps cleanse the palate.
Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?
If this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta has won your heart, you’ll love these other cozy and flavor-packed creations from Luna Meals:
- Try this rich and smoky Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a meaty twist.
- Go bold with the zesty flavors of Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta.
- For something ultra-comforting, our Smothered Chicken and Rice is a soul-warming dish you can’t resist.
- Switch it up with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood spin on creamy pasta.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always on hand when that cheesy pasta craving hits.
And if you make this dish, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you use cavatappi or stick to rotini? Did you add a veggie or spice it up? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comfort food inspiration on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next go-to favorite!
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s a bowl of joy that brings people together. With its rich, garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta swirls, it delivers the kind of flavor that makes home cooking feel special. Once you try it, it’ll become one of your repeat favorites.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate comfort food recipe. Featuring tender chicken breasts, a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini or fusilli, this dish brings restaurant flavor home. A must-try creamy chicken pasta recipe perfect for dinner nights, family gatherings, or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
8 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
3. In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, and simmer gently until thickened. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
6. Stir cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat well.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the pasta. Top with mozzarella cheese if using, and allow it to melt slightly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating leftovers to revive the creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 130mg