Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

When you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner, nothing hits the spot quite like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. This recipe blends juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce and rich, cheesy pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, a special occasion, or prepping ahead, this dish offers comfort and indulgence without being overly complicated.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta, offer tips and variations, discuss how to store and reheat leftovers, and even answer your most pressing FAQs.

Let’s get into the good stuff.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

• Rich & Creamy: That homemade garlic Parmesan sauce is silky, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy.
• One Skillet Magic: Everything comes together in one skillet (minus boiling the pasta), meaning less cleanup.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love it.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite pasta shapes, proteins, or added veggies.
• Meal Prep Worthy: Stores well and reheats beautifully with the right technique.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to recreate this comforting recipe from scratch.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  (Thighs give extra juiciness; breasts are leaner.)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  (Don’t skimp – garlic is the star here!)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream(or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  (Always grate fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Optional:1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Optional:Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, gemelli, or cavatappi are all great choices)
• Salted water for boiling
• Optional:1/2 cup mozzarella or shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce texture)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Let’s walk through the cooking process step-by-step.

1. Cook the Twisted Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your twisted pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t overcook — you want it to hold up to the sauce.
Drain and set aside, remembering to reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water, which can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

2. Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This gives your protein a deeply flavorful crust.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The goal is a golden, crispy exterior with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. Then slice into strips or bite-sized chunks.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it — those browned bits equal flavor), melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant — but be careful not to burn it.

Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth and lump-free.

Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, and salt to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bit of heat.

What you’ll have is a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that’s just begging for pasta.

4. Combine Pasta with the Sauce

Toss your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.

Stir gently until every spiral and twist of pasta is fully coated in creamy goodness.

If using, sprinkle in the mozzarella or shredded cheddar and allow it to melt for an even cheesier bite.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water — just enough to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

5. Finish with the Sliced Chicken

Now for the final flourish: add your sliced or chopped chicken back on top of the cheesy garlic pasta.

You can mix it in fully or artfully layer it on top, depending on how you want to serve it.

Finish everything off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a little extra Parmesan on top.

Tips & Variations

Spice it Up

Love a little kick? Add extra red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne.

Change the Pasta

This dish is perfect for rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi, but you can absolutely use penne, tagliatelle, or rigatoni for a different texture and appearance.

Add Veggies

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes bring extra nutrition and depth of flavor. Toss them into the sauce before the pasta for best results.

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken

Short on time? Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.

Make It Lighter

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese a bit to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.

How to Store & Reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to its original creamy texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Garlic Bread: Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Think broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
• White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

1. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and delivers better flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the full dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

3. What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Twisted pastas like fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi are ideal because they hold onto the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce well.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze it, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month and stir well when reheating.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.

6. What if my sauce gets too thick?

Just add a little of the reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to thin it out. Add gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the kind of comfort food that brings smiles to the table. Rich, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, this dish combines all the best things: juicy chicken, cheesy pasta, and a luscious garlic cream sauce.

Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own with spicy twists, added veggies, or different pasta shapes, one thing is certain — it’s going to be delicious. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and treat yourself (and your family) to a dish that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Because once you’ve had Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta, nothing else quite compares.

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