If you are searching for a comforting yet impressive dish to whip up on any night of the week, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan sauce that lovingly coats every twist of pasta. It’s an irresistible blend of creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and just the right touch of spice that will have you savoring each bite and coming back for seconds without hesitation. Perfect for feeding family or impressing friends, this dish balances ease and elegance in every delicious forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each item contributes to the rich depth of flavor or the perfect creamy texture, so don’t rush through this step – the magic lies in the details!
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that sears beautifully for a golden crust.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Twisted shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle base flavor and helps in searing the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Boosts richness in the sauce and helps soften the garlic with a silky mouthfeel.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic backbone that awakens the whole dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that coats both chicken and pasta.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty, nutty flavor essential for authenticity.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning with a mild kick.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant touch and color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the rotini pasta exactly according to the package directions until it reaches that ideal ‘al dente’ texture – tender but still with a slight bite. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to be cloaked by that heavenly sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a beautiful sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, setting the stage for a juicy and flavorful centerpiece in this recipe.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to keep that juicy tenderness intact.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic releases its intoxicating aroma without getting browned. This step is key to building the flavorful foundation of your sauce.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat slightly, pour in the heavy cream, and stir continuously as it simmers gently for 3 to 4 minutes. This slow simmer lets the cream thicken just enough, setting the stage for the delicious cheesy goodness to come.
Step 6: Melt in Parmesan and Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir steadily until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth. It’s that dreamy combination of sharp, creamy, and subtly spicy that makes this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe unforgettable.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked rotini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to make sure every twist is coated with that rich, cheesy sauce, transforming the pasta from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 8: Slice Chicken and Plate
Slice the rested chicken breasts, then arrange the slices either on top of or beside the sauced pasta. This presentation lets the chicken shine as the main protein star, perfectly complemented by its cheesy partner.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finish your creation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over everything. This vibrant green touch adds freshness, a pop of color, and a subtle herbaceous lift that brightens your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe spectacularly.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley obviously steals the spotlight here, but feel free to get creative with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a few cracks of black pepper. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest can also add a lovely twist that accentuates the creaminess brilliantly.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already rich and indulgent, pair it with light and crisp sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli work beautifully to balance the creamy textures and add a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your plating game? Serve the pasta twirled neatly on the plate with chicken slices fanned delicately on top. You might also consider serving the sauce and pasta family-style in a large bowl, letting everyone help themselves, while the sliced chicken rests beautifully on a separate serving platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and cheesy pasta in an airtight container to keep the sauce from drying out, and always cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the cream sauce can separate slightly upon thawing. If you prefer, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately with a little sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta and chicken slowly on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to bring back that saucy consistency. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini’s twists are perfect for holding sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would all work wonderfully. Just stick to similar cooking times to maintain that delightful al dente bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan alternatives to make it dairy-free. Keep in mind, this will change the flavor profile slightly but it will still be deliciously creamy.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic step. These additions introduce great flavor and texture without overpowering the creamy sauce and chicken.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley really adds the vibrant freshness that lifts the dish. Alternatively, basil or chives are great herb substitutes that bring their own unique brightness.
Can I prepare this recipe for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Just swap out the rotini pasta for a gluten-free variety. The sauce and chicken remain naturally gluten-free, making this recipe quite adaptable for dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a glow-up, it would be this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. I encourage you to try it soon and experience how this dish transforms everyday dinner into a truly special occasion. Your taste buds and loved ones will thank you endlessly!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken paired with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender seared chicken breast is smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce and served alongside perfectly cooked rotini pasta tossed in the luscious sauce. A hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while fresh parsley provides a bright finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until hot and melted.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat slightly and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Add Cheese and Spice: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.
- Serve the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them either over the coated pasta or alongside it on each plate.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous finish and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are at even thickness for uniform cooking by pounding them gently if needed.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
