Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, paired with perfectly cooked twisted pasta.

The image shows a plate of creamy pasta with rotini noodles covered in a light, beige cream sauce. On top, there are several pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown, slightly charred surface, placed in the center. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. A white plate holds the food, and a fork lies on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or about 1¼ lb chicken thighs)
12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1¼ cups heavy cream
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 °F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 more minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the twisted pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 8: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier taste.
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a plate with three layers. The bottom layer is white pasta spirals, cooked and slightly glossy, covering the whole plate. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of grilled chicken, golden-brown with visible char marks and a crispy texture. The chicken pieces are coated with a creamy sauce that is light beige and smooth, sitting all over the pasta and chicken. A small amount of chopped green herbs is sprinkled on top, adding a fresh green contrast to the creamy sauce and browned chicken. A silver fork is placed on the right side of the plate, partially touching the pasta. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli works best to hold the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or farfalle.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, but it’s best to combine and finish the sauce just before serving to maintain the freshest flavor and texture.