Golden seared garlic butter chicken meets a bed of luscious, cheesy Alfredo rotini in this ultra-satisfying comfort dish. It’s that kind of meal that looks indulgent and tastes like something from your favorite restaurant, but it’s shockingly easy to pull together in your own kitchen.

The chicken is seasoned to perfection, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, while the Alfredo pasta is rich, creamy, and swirled with just enough herbs to keep things exciting. The combo of savory butter, melted cheese, and tender meat makes every bite sing.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Perfect flavor pairing: The contrast between juicy garlic butter chicken and creamy Alfredo pasta is a match made in weeknight dinner heaven.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cheesy, savory comfort meal.
Quick to make: With simple prep and a 30-minute cook time, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
Flexible: Use any short pasta you like, swap chicken for shrimp, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamlessly, having the right tools is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan – Essential for achieving that golden sear on the chicken without sticking.
Large pot – Perfect for boiling your twisted pasta to al dente.
Colander – For quickly draining pasta without losing heat.
Wooden spatula – Gentle on cookware and effective for tossing and turning the chicken evenly.
Whisk – Crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce.
Tongs – Makes flipping chicken pieces neat and splatter-free.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and soak up all that garlic butter flavor.
Garlic (minced): The heart of the flavor, infuses both chicken and butter with rich aroma.
Butter: Used to cook the chicken and enhance the sauce with richness.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden-brown perfection.
Italian seasoning: Brings herbs and depth to both chicken and sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Simple, necessary seasoning for balance.
Rotini pasta (or your favorite twisted pasta): Holds onto creamy Alfredo sauce in every swirl.
Heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce that makes it so indulgent.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): For that signature cheesy Alfredo flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for stretch and richness.
Parsley or dried herbs (optional): Adds a fresh finish over the top.

How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a hot skillet with melted butter and a splash of olive oil, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic in the last few minutes to infuse deep flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat and add more butter and garlic if needed. Stir in heavy cream and whisk until it begins to simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan and mozzarella, whisking until the sauce becomes creamy. Use a splash of pasta water if it thickens too much.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss gently to coat. Plate it beside the golden garlic butter chicken, and sprinkle parsley or dried herbs on top. Serve hot and cheesy!

How to Serve and Store This Dish

Serve this dish hot, straight off the stove, while the cheese is at peak gooeyness and the chicken is still juicy. Pair it with a light green salad or roasted veggies for balance.

For storing, place leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce, or microwave gently in intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best for Alfredo?

Twisted pasta like rotini is perfect because it holds onto the creamy sauce. Penne or fusilli are also great options.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Combine everything just before serving for best texture.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. It won’t be as rich, but still delicious.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Definitely. Just reheat the chicken in garlic butter before serving to refresh the flavor.

How do I avoid clumpy Alfredo sauce?

Always whisk the cheese in gradually and keep the heat low once you add dairy. That’s the key to a smooth, creamy sauce.

What toppings can I add?

Crispy bacon bits, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan are all great finishing touches.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this cheesy Alfredo twisted pasta dish, check out these savory chicken-forward recipes from Kitchen by Kate:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it classic? Maybe you swapped the pasta or added crispy bacon?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Let’s cook smarter and tastier together!