Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or about 1¼ lb chicken thighs); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

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 served in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite twisted pasta. It’s an easy dish that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.

A white plate holds a pasta dish with three large pieces of golden brown grilled chicken on top, sprinkled with green herbs. The pasta is spiral-shaped and creamy, colored light yellow, filling the left side of the plate while the chicken sits on the right. A silver fork is resting on the edge of the plate near the pasta. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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 generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165 °F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, add the minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 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 salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Step 7: Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish hot for a delicious, creamy meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat; just adjust cooking time as needed.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the sauce, but it will be less rich.
Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for more color and nutrition.

Storage

Store any 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 chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A white plate with twisted pasta on the left side, light yellow and smooth in texture. On the right side, there are several pieces of golden brown grilled chicken with crispy edges, stacked in one layer. The chicken is topped with a creamy white sauce that covers parts of the chicken and some pasta nearby. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly on the top of the chicken and sauce, adding a fresh color contrast. A fork rests near the bottom right corner, shiny and metallic. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. 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 works best to hold the creamy sauce, you can use penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked fully?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 °F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.