Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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A Decadent Comfort Dish That’s Easy Enough for Weeknights and Fancy Enough for Guests

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate—look no further. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a rich, flavor-packed dish that’s loaded with tender slices of chicken, melted cheeses, garlicky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s indulgent, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy—all the things we crave in a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re serving this on a busy Tuesday night or preparing a show-stopping main for a cozy dinner party, this recipe will wow everyone at the table. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to bring this creamy pasta dish to life, even if you’re new to the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: Think mac and cheese meets Alfredo with juicy chicken—rich, creamy, and soulful.

  • Ready in Under 30 Minutes: You can pull this together faster than takeout delivery.

  • Customizable: Use different pasta shapes, proteins, or add veggies for your twist.

  • Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fight for seconds.

Ingredients (US Measurements)

To make this decadent dish, here’s everything you need. Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Chicken & Pasta

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced

  • 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) — about 3 cups cooked

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garlic Parmesan Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ½ cup cream cheese (room temperature)

  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (optional)

How to Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish is made using a simple process: cook the pasta, sear the chicken, make the sauce, combine everything, and serve. Here’s the full breakdown.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (typically 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside. For extra silkiness in your sauce, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

  • Thinly slice the chicken breasts for quicker, more even cooking.

  • Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.

  • Add the chicken slices and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

  • Remove the chicken and set aside. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

  • In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

  • Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).

  • Cook for about 30–45 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.

  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (don’t boil).

  • Whisk in cream cheese until smooth and fully melted.

  • Slowly add Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly, followed by mozzarella and Colby-Jack.

  • Let everything melt into a creamy, luscious sauce (about 3–5 minutes).

  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.

  • Gently toss everything to coat well with the sauce.

  • Let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

  • Plate generous portions into bowls or serve family-style from the skillet.

  • Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese.

  • Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Time & Nutrition Info

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories per serving: Approx. 650–700 kcal

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ideas to suit different dietary needs or preferences:

  • Swap Chicken: Use shrimp, sausage, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for different flavors.

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli.

  • Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheeses.

  • Extra Protein: Stir in white beans or chickpeas.

  • Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to the sauce.

  • Pasta Options: Penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles work great.

Expert Tips

  1. Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well due to anti-caking agents. Grate it fresh for the best texture.

  2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly—sear until golden and remove before it dries out.

  3. Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: It melts faster and more evenly into the sauce.

  4. Balance the Salt: Parmesan and broth add saltiness, so taste before adding extra.

  5. Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach during the final minute of cooking for a healthy touch.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

  • Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

  • Microwave individual portions in 45-second intervals, stirring in between.

  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can You Freeze It?

  • Not ideal. The cream sauce can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, reheat slowly and stir constantly to bring it back together.

What to Serve With It

  • Garlic Bread: The perfect mop for extra sauce.

  • Caesar or Garden Salad: Add crisp freshness to balance the richness.

  • Roasted Veggies: Try carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

  • Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is everything you want in a comfort dish: savory, creamy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying. It feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect go-to meal when you want big flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll find yourself making this again and again—not just for how easy it is, but because everyone will ask for it. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests, this recipe delivers every time.

If you’re ready to turn your kitchen into a five-star comfort food haven, this dish is your next must-make masterpiece.

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