Creamy, juicy, and packed with cheesy comfort — this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary weeknight into a mini celebration. The silky Parmesan-garlic sauce clings to every twist of pasta while tender strips of seasoned chicken add protein and satisfy hungry appetites. Fun fact: adding a touch of pasta water is the secret trick many chefs use to make sauces cling perfectly to noodles — a little kitchen magic that makes a big difference.
This recipe is special because it’s simple, fast, and family-friendly. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. If you loved our Creamy Tuscan Chicken, think of this as its cheesy, pasta-loving cousin — just as comforting but even more kid-approved. Ready to dive into a bowl of creamy goodness? Let’s get cooking.
What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta?
What’s in a name? Plenty of promise and a whole lot of cheesy comfort. Why “twisted” pasta? Because rotini or fusilli twirls catch every drop of sauce, making each bite satisfyingly saucy. Is it the garlic, the Parmesan, or the oozy mozzarella that earns the title? Maybe all of the above. And if you’re wondering how this dish wins hearts, remember the old saying: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re feeding a loved one or just treating yourself, this dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Try it — and enjoy the smiles around your table.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Decadent, creamy sauce: The rich blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a silky, indulgent sauce that clings to every pasta twist.
- Budget-friendly and easy: Homemade comfort food for a fraction of the cost of takeout. Stretch the meal with a simple salad or steamed veggies to feed more people without breaking the bank.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes (optional) give the dish balanced flavor that appeals to adults and kids alike.
Compared to our other favorites, like a lighter lemon-garlic pasta, this recipe leans into richness and cheesy comfort — perfect for cozy nights. Ready to make something your family will request again and again? Grab your skillet and let’s go.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is straightforward and satisfying. Expect creamy, rich sauce, tender chicken strips, and pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. Prep and cook time together are approximately 30–35 minutes. The standout element is the luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce with melty mozzarella for that irresistible stringy-cheese pull.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz twisted pasta (such as rotini or fusilli) — uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — for cooking chicken
- 4 tablespoons butter — divided (2 tablespoons for sauce, 2 tablespoons reserved if desired)
- 4 cloves garlic — minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — or a blend of dried basil and oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes — optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper — to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream — room temperature
- 1/2 cup chicken broth — low-sodium preferred
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese — freshly grated if possible
- 1/2 cup cream cheese — softened, at room temperature for easy melting
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — for topping and extra melty texture
- Fresh parsley — chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the Twisted Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to thin the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the Cheeses: Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella to the skillet. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a rich and cheesy comfort meal.
What to Serve With:
- Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans for a warm, healthy side.
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up the sauce.
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay, or sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting — pre-grated cheese can be grainy.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature so it melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce.
- Reserve a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency — the starch helps the sauce cling.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth and cream.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Reheat gently to restore creaminess.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives: use coconut cream or a plant-based creamer and dairy-free Parmesan and mozzarella substitutes. The texture will differ but it will still be flavorful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly—cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a way to make this lighter or lower-calorie?
Use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, and serve with more vegetables.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, store separately, and finish the sauce just before serving. Combine and reheat gently to serve.
What if my sauce becomes too thick or grainy?
Thin it with reserved pasta water, milk, or broth. If grainy, heat gently and stir; adding a small knob of butter at the end can help smooth it out.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a weeknight superstar — quick to make, comforting to eat, and adored by families. It combines tender seasoned chicken, a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and pasta that grabs every cheesy bite. If you love rich, satisfying dinners that feel a little indulgent but are easy to pull together, this recipe is for you. For another take on creamy garlic-Parmesan pasta, see this version at Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – I Am Homesteader and compare notes with the recipe at Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Try it tonight, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz Twisted pasta (such as rotini or fusilli) uncooked
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil for cooking chicken
- 4 tablespoons Butter divided (2 tablespoons for sauce, 2 tablespoons reserved if desired)
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a blend of dried basil and oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Heavy cream room temperature
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated if possible
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese softened, at room temperature for easy melting
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping and extra melty texture
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Twisted Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to thin the sauce.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add the Cheeses: Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella to the skillet. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 5: Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a rich and cheesy comfort meal.