A comforting plate of creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is everything a weeknight dinner dreams of being—flavorful, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up. The chicken is seared to golden perfection, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and then nestled beside a lush bed of rotini pasta coated in a velvety parmesan cream sauce. Every forkful is rich with cheesy goodness and just the right hint of spice from red pepper flakes and herbs.

This dish isn’t just a visual stunner—it’s also a symphony of textures and flavors. The contrast of tender, juicy chicken with the creamy, cheesy pasta makes for a plate that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any home cook. Whether you’re feeding the family or serving up something special for guests, this is one recipe that earns rave reviews every time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Ultimate comfort food with the richness of cream, cheese, and garlic.
Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight indulgence.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing — who can resist creamy pasta and juicy chicken?
Customizable with added veggies, spice, or even bacon crumbles.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this cozy dish to life, a few kitchen essentials will make everything smoother:

Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Ideal for searing the chicken to a perfect golden crust and retaining heat evenly.
Medium Saucepan: Needed to cook the pasta and to simmer the sauce evenly.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken and prepping any optional herbs.
Whisk: To help emulsify the sauce into a silky, clump-free finish.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Makes flipping chicken and tossing pasta a breeze.

Investing in a heavy-bottomed skillet and a quality whisk can elevate the cooking process, ensuring that flavors blend harmoniously and textures stay creamy.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that sears beautifully and holds flavor.
Rotini Pasta: Twisted pasta catches the creamy sauce in every crevice.
Heavy Cream: Builds the luxurious base of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty flavor that defines the creaminess.
Garlic (Minced): The cornerstone of depth and savory aroma.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps brown the chicken.
Olive Oil: Helps get that golden sear on the chicken.
Italian Seasoning: Adds herby complexity to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little kick.
Fresh Parsley: Finishes the plate with color and brightness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning throughout the dish.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream. Stir gently until it simmers, then add parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta into the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Stir well to coat every twist of pasta.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Slice the chicken and arrange it next to the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for an optional touch of heat and color.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Dream

This dish is best served hot right off the stove with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Can I substitute the cream with milk?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider adding a bit of cream cheese or extra parmesan to thicken it.

Is this dish spicy?

Only mildly, from the red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a completely mild version.

What other pasta shapes work here?

Fusilli, penne, or even fettuccine can be great substitutes.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Cream sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.

What veggies can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are all tasty additions to bulk up the dish.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta, you’ll want to try more flavor-packed favorites from the kitchen:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add some broccoli or switch up the pasta? Did you go extra on the cheese (no judgment here)?

I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. Ask away if you have any questions—let’s get cooking together!

Find even more everyday comfort food ideas on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate