This velvety garlic-Parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta combines rich, creamy flavor with ease and comfort—making it the perfect centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or cozy gathering. Tender strips of chicken are seared until golden, then bathed in a dreamy sauce crafted from garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella—all hugging each spiral of rotini or fusilli for maximum cheesy delight. What sets this dish apart is how it brings restaurant-quality indulgence into your kitchen with minimal effort and just one pan. In about 30 minutes, you have a saucy, flavorful meal that strikes the perfect balance between quick simplicity and gourmet-worthy taste—ideal when you crave something both comforting and impressive.
Full recipe:
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)
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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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½ 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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½ cup chicken broth
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1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup cream cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
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Cook twisted pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain pasta.
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Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet; sauté chicken strips seasoned with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt remaining butter, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to gentle simmer.
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Mix in Parmesan cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
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Add pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
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Return chicken to the skillet with the sauce, then stir in the cooked pasta.
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Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, stirring until melty and creamy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: approx. 650 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Rich and Comforting Pasta Experience
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the kind of dish that makes you look forward to dinner all day long. It’s a combination of golden-seared chicken, tender pasta spirals, and a decadent sauce made from garlic, Parmesan, cream cheese, mozzarella, and cream. Every forkful delivers a velvety richness that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying.
This dish blends two of the most loved comfort food categories—creamy pasta and flavorful chicken—into one irresistible plate. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat but can be made easily at home. The cheesy twisted pasta not only holds the sauce beautifully but also makes every bite a textural delight.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Garlic and Parmesan have been a cherished culinary duo for centuries. Parmesan, with its nutty and savory profile, pairs perfectly with the aromatic, slightly pungent notes of garlic. These flavors have been central in Italian-inspired dishes, from Alfredo sauces to garlic butter spreads. By adding chicken and twisted pasta to the mix, you get a well-rounded, protein-rich meal that feels both hearty and sophisticated.
The inspiration for this recipe likely comes from traditional creamy pasta dishes found across Italy, but with a modern twist that caters to home cooks who crave convenience without compromising on flavor. Using twisted pasta—like rotini or fusilli—ensures the sauce clings to every curve, making it more flavorful with each bite.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the strongest appeals of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is its speed. You can go from raw ingredients to a hot, cheesy plate of pasta in just 30 minutes. This makes it a lifesaver for evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels special.
Everything is made in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash later. You cook the chicken first, then build the sauce in the same skillet, allowing the flavors to develop and blend together. The result is a richer, more cohesive taste without the need for multiple cooking steps or extra equipment.
The Benefits of Garlic and Parmesan
While this recipe is undeniably indulgent, it still carries some surprising benefits. Garlic is well known for its potential health-boosting properties—it’s rich in antioxidants and has been linked to immune support and heart health. Parmesan cheese, meanwhile, is a good source of calcium and protein.
Parmesan also has an intense flavor, so a smaller amount can make a big impact. This means you can enjoy a rich, cheesy sauce without needing excessive quantities. Combined with the protein from chicken and the energy-providing carbohydrates from pasta, this dish offers a balance that makes it a satisfying main course.
Choosing the Right Pasta for the Perfect Bite
Twisted pasta shapes like rotini and fusilli are not just visually appealing—they’re functional. Their spirals and ridges act as little sauce traps, holding the creamy garlic-Parmesan mixture in every twist. This makes each bite flavorful from start to finish.
If you can’t find twisted pasta, you can use penne, farfalle, or even shells. However, the beauty of using twisted pasta is that it elevates the texture and mouthfeel, giving the sauce more surface area to cling to.
Tips for the Creamiest Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this recipe, and a few simple techniques can make it perfect every time:
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Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly without lumps.
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Simmer, don’t boil the cream and broth mixture—this prevents separation and keeps the sauce silky.
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Grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more evenly and gives a richer taste.
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Reserve pasta water to adjust consistency. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta while keeping it from becoming too thick.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
This dish has universal appeal because it checks all the boxes of comfort food: creamy texture, cheesy richness, garlicky aroma, and satisfying protein. It’s approachable for picky eaters while still feeling elevated enough to serve for guests.
The flavors are familiar and comforting, which makes it a great choice for family dinners. Children often love the cheesy pasta, while adults can appreciate the depth of the garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s also easy to adjust the seasoning to make it milder or spicier, depending on your audience.
Customizing to Your Taste
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make changes to fit your preferences or dietary needs:
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Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
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Make it spicy with a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
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Swap the protein with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for variety.
By customizing it, you can make this dish your own while keeping the creamy garlic-Parmesan base that makes it so delicious.
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
This pasta is filling enough to be served on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even more. A crisp Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread makes a perfect companion for mopping up leftover sauce.
For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine—like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio—complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Sparkling water with lemon is another refreshing choice for a non-alcoholic pairing.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
Avoid overheating, as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate if warmed too quickly. A gentle reheat over low heat on the stovetop works best, but the microwave in short bursts can also do the trick.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create a truly luxurious meal. It brings together the bold, savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan with the comforting creaminess of a rich pasta sauce—all in a dish that’s ready in just half an hour. Its flexibility, universal appeal, and ease of preparation make it a recipe worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers every time. From the first forkful to the last bite of sauce-soaked pasta, it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and the joy of home-cooked meals.