Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is one of those comfort meals that feels special but is simple to prepare. The dish combines juicy chicken, a rich parmesan sauce, and pasta that holds the sauce beautifully. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
In this guide, I will show you step by step how to prepare this recipe, including tips for cooking the chicken, making the sauce, and pairing the pasta. By the end, you will be able to create a meal that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and can be made on a weeknight without stress.
Key Takeaway:
- Juicy chicken cooked until golden and tender.
- Creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s rich and flavorful.
- Twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini coated in a cheesy blend of mozzarella and parmesan.
- Family-friendly dish that’s easy to make in about 40 minutes.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Can be served with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or salad.
- Leftovers store well and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple steps.
- Creamy sauce with garlic and parmesan that coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.
- Family-friendly and great for weeknights.
- Can be served with sides like garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers store well for the next day.
Recipe Overview
- Dish type: Dinner, Comfort food
- Main protein: Chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Sauce base: Garlic, cream, parmesan cheese
- Pasta: Twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini
- Cooking time: About 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Here is what you need:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredients for Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- 12 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken on each side for about 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Pasta
- In a small saucepan, melt butter.
- Add cream and let it warm.
- Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken.
- Place pasta on a plate or bowl.
- Top with chicken slices.
- Pour creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
- For extra flavor, try roasting garlic before adding it to the sauce. You can follow this guide on how to roast garlic in the oven.
Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This recipe pairs well with many sides:
- Garlic bread – Learn how to make it step by step with this garlic bread guide.
- Steamed broccoli or spinach.
- Roasted potatoes – Try this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with potatoes recipe.
- Fresh salad with lemon dressing.
Variations of This Recipe
This dish is flexible and easy to adapt:
- With spinach – Add fresh spinach to the sauce like in this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with spinach recipe.
- With broccoli – Mix in broccoli florets for extra crunch, similar to this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with broccoli.
- Low-carb option – Swap pasta with zucchini noodles.
- Spicy version – Add chili flakes to the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.
- Avoid microwaving too long, as it may dry out the chicken.
For better storage, check out these best storage containers for vegetables and fruits or best potato storage containers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Cooking FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well because they stay juicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead, then reheat and add fresh chicken before serving.
What type of pasta is best?
Twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini holds the sauce best, but penne also works.
Can I make the sauce without cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be lighter.
Extra Flavor Tips
- Add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor. See how in this roasted garlic guide.
- Use garlic sauce for extra creaminess. Here’s how to make garlic sauce for pasta.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish balances rich sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta. The garlic gives flavor depth, the parmesan adds sharpness, and the cream smooths everything together. Pasta completes the dish by soaking up the sauce.
It’s a recipe that feels fancy but uses simple ingredients. You can cook it for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.
Step-by-Step Meal Plan Idea
Here’s a simple meal plan using this recipe:
- Starter: Garlic bread
- Main: Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta
- Side: Roasted vegetables or potatoes
- Drink: Sparkling water with lemon
- Dessert: Light fruit salad
Final Thoughts
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is a dish that always impresses. It has flavor, comfort, and simplicity. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it’s one of those recipes that delivers every time.
Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it as a go-to meal.
