Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

If you love ultra-creamy, flavor-packed pasta with a crispy golden chicken on top, you simply have to try Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta. The rich sauce hugs every twist of pasta, while juicy chicken adds just the right amount of comfort and decadence. It’s the kind of dish that never fails to impress family or guests — and it’s so much easier than you think. This recipe is the weeknight (or date night) hero you didn’t know you needed!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta recipe works magic, creating a dish full of personality and warmth. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each to help your meal shine!

• Chicken breasts: Pound them to even thickness for quick, juicy cooking and beautiful browning.
• Twisted pasta (like fusilli or rotini): These fun shapes grab onto the sauce so every bite is cheesy and satisfying.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must for the silkiest, most flavorful sauce and gorgeous melt.
• Garlic: Don’t skimp! Mince it fine for mellow, aromatic depth that truly makes the sauce sing.
• Heavy cream: This is your shortcut to luxurious, spoon-coating consistency with every swirl.
• Butter: An essential base for both searing chicken and starting the sauce with a rich flavor foundation.
• Olive oil: Helps crisp up your chicken and adds just the right fruity pepperiness to the dish.
• Salt & pepper: Season at every step to make sure all the flavors are well developed.
• Fresh parsley: Not just a garnish — it lifts and brightens the whole plate!
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy, cheesy luxury to the pasta (optional, but highly recommended for extra cheesiness).

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then gently pound them so they’re the same thickness all over. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This little bit of prep guarantees even cooking and ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot pan and let it develop a deep golden crust on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken to a plate and keep it covered — it’ll finish in the oven (or you can rest while the pasta cooks).

Step 3: Cook the Twisted Pasta

While the chicken is sizzling, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your twisted pasta and cook until just al dente, following the packet instructions. Drain, but reserve about a cup of the pasta water to help your sauce reach that perfect creaminess if needed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan you used for the chicken, lower the heat and add a bit more butter if the pan looks dry. Toss in all the minced garlic and sauté for a minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to loosen up any tasty bits on the pan. Then, gradually stir in most of your Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella, if using). Let the sauce simmer gently until silky and thick, then season to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add your drained twisted pasta right into the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat every noodle in that dreamy garlic-Parmesan goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it clings just right. Slice your cooked chicken into strips and nestle them over the pasta. Shower the top with remaining cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. That’s your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta — ready to steal hearts!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, I love adding extra parmesan shavings, a big handful of chopped fresh parsley, and a crackle of black pepper across the top. If you want something a little extra, a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon gives a bright pop that offsets all the richness.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta pairs up brilliantly with crisp salads — think simple arugula with a lemony vinaigrette or classic Caesar. For a cozy meal, serve it with warm garlic bread to mop up every drop of sauce or simply some roasted broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is a showstopper when you bring the whole skillet to the table, letting everyone serve themselves. For special occasions, pile twirled nests of cheesy pasta on each plate, topper with fanned slices of chicken, and finish with a flourish of parsley and cheese. You can even turn leftovers into a baked pasta gratin — just layer everything into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors develop beautifully by the next day, making this a wonderful make-ahead lunch or easy leftover dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, place cooled chicken and pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag (keep the chicken and pasta separate for best texture). It will last well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating — this helps the sauce stay creamy and the chicken tender.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before gently warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Microwave works in a pinch for single servings; just be sure to cover and stir halfway through. Reheat the chicken separately for best results, slicing it first to make sure it warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While twisted shapes like fusilli or rotini really grab the cheese sauce, you can swap in penne, farfalle, or any sturdy pasta you love. Just adjust the cooking time and don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water for your sauce.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap part of the butter for olive oil. While it won’t be quite as rich, it will still deliver those classic creamy, garlicky, cheesy vibes.

Can I add vegetables?

Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, peas, or broccolini all work beautifully in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Add firmer veggies in with the pasta, or toss quick-cooking greens into the sauce at the last minute.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key, along with patting it dry and not crowding the pan. Letting the chicken sear without moving it too much helps the crust form — resist the urge to flip early!

How do I make it extra cheesy?

If you want to send the cheesiness over the top, add shredded mozzarella or even a few dollops of cream cheese to the sauce, or sprinkle extra Parmesan over the finished dish and pop it under the broiler for a melty, golden topper.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort food you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta brings together everything we love about home-cooked Italian-inspired meals — rich, gooey, and full of satisfaction in every forkful. Gather your favorite people, pour something bubbly, and dive into this cheesy masterpiece soon!

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