Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce and served over cheesy rotini pasta, making it a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the cream sauce and toss to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet on top of the pasta. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
• Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if preferred; these pasta shapes also hold the sauce well.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor over pre-grated cheese.
• Incorporate cooked spinach or mushrooms to add vegetables to the dish.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and pasta 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 milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier texture. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture will vary from the original recipe.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 117 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The recipe is enhanced with fresh herbs and melted cheese, delivering a satisfying and indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

• 8 oz rotini pasta

Sauce

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
5. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them atop the cheesy pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
• You can add steamed vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
• To ensure juicy chicken, avoid overcooking and let it rest before slicing.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, cheesy twisted pasta, rotini pasta recipe, garlic Parmesan sauce, easy chicken dinner