Looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings rich, creamy flavors, tender chicken, and a cheesy pasta experience all in one dish? Look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. This indulgent meal combines golden sautéed chicken, fragrant garlic, smooth cream, and an irresistible blend of cheeses that wrap around every curl of twisted pasta. It’s the perfect fusion of rustic Italian-style comfort with a family-friendly American twist.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, entertaining guests, or prepping a cozy weekend meal, this dish delivers flavor, warmth, and a gourmet touch without needing a culinary degree. Each bite gives you juicy chicken bathed in velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, paired with the satisfying texture of rotini or fusilli pasta that clings to every drop of that cheesy, garlicky goodness.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything from step-by-step preparation to cooking notes, serving ideas, nutritional info, and expert-level tips to elevate your cooking game.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
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12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli recommended)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 tbsp butter (divided)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of twisted pasta, such as rotini or fusilli, and cook according to the package directions until al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid can help emulsify the sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, season the chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick.
Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sauté for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it — those golden brown bits add flavor), reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt fully. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving.
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and begin adding the cheeses. Stir in:
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1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup cream cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Continue stirring until the cheeses fully melt and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir well to reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring each twist of pasta and slice of chicken is coated in the cheesy garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for 2–3 more minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an optional extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight while the flavors are at their peak.
Variation
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Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth and nutrition.
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Spicy Kick: Boost the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for those who like heat.
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Bacon Upgrade: Crumbled cooked bacon adds a smoky crunch and elevates the richness of the dish.
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Swap the Pasta: Penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni also work great if you don’t have rotini or fusilli.
COOKING Note
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Don’t overcook the chicken. Slice it thin and cook just until done to ensure it stays juicy.
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Let the sauce simmer but avoid boiling after adding cheese. High heat can cause cheese to break and become grainy.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and more authentic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
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Garlic Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls
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A light Caesar Salad or Arugula Salad with lemon vinaigrette
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A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a gourmet touch
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Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side
Tips
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Time Saver: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in a pinch.
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Cheese Matters: Use high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella for the best taste and meltability.
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Balance the Salt: With multiple cheeses, be mindful when seasoning to avoid over-salting.
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Meal Prep: This dish stores well. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: ~850 kcal
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Protein: 42g
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Carbohydrates: 55g
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Fat: 52g
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Saturated Fat: 25g
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Cholesterol: 180mg
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Sodium: 780mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
Note: Nutrition will vary based on ingredient brands and exact measurements used.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a little added milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q: Is there a low-fat version?
You can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, use light cream cheese, and reduce the mozzarella quantity. The sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Q: Can I freeze it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing creamy sauces can sometimes result in separation when reheated. If you must freeze, let it cool completely and store in a tightly sealed container. Reheat slowly and stir well.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can increase the Parmesan and mozzarella slightly and add a spoon of sour cream or ricotta for creaminess.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is more than just a meal — it’s a hug in a bowl. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, this dish transforms simple pantry ingredients into a gourmet-level dinner your whole family will love. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this creamy pasta dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation. With its quick cook time, impressive flavors, and customizable nature, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
-
12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli recommended)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
4 tbsp butter (divided)
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 cup cream cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of twisted pasta, such as rotini or fusilli, and cook according to the package directions until al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid can help emulsify the sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, season the chicken strips generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick.
Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sauté for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it — those golden brown bits add flavor), reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt fully. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving.
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and begin adding the cheeses. Stir in:
-
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 cup cream cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Continue stirring until the cheeses fully melt and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir well to reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring each twist of pasta and slice of chicken is coated in the cheesy garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for 2–3 more minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an optional extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight while the flavors are at their peak.
Notes
COOKING Note
-
Don’t overcook the chicken. Slice it thin and cook just until done to ensure it stays juicy.
-
Let the sauce simmer but avoid boiling after adding cheese. High heat can cause cheese to break and become grainy.
-
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and more authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: ~850 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g