Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

My kids actually cheer when they see me pulling out the ingredients for this weeknight favorite. The creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta transforms ordinary dinner into something special that even picky eaters devour. It is the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like a cozy Italian kitchen, a promise of comfort in every bubbling, cheesy bite. This is one of those hearty pasta dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those evenings when you need a reliable, delicious dinner solution without a lot of fuss.

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Ingredients List

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta comes together with a simple, beautiful list of ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry or fridge right now.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• 12 ounces twisted pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or gemelli
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4-5 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Smart Swaps:

• Pasta: Any short, sauce-grabbing pasta works. Penne or cavatappi are great alternatives.
• Chicken: You can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more juicy, flavorful results.
• Cream: For a lighter version, whole milk can work, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Cheese: Always grate your own Parmesan from a block for the best melt and flavor, but a good-quality pre-shredded bag will work in a pinch for a busy weeknight.

Timing

This is one of those fantastic meal dinner ideas that looks and tastes like you spent hours, but comes together in a flash.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

That is about 30% faster than many other baked pasta dishes, getting a comforting, from-scratch dinner on the table with time to spare.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta every single time.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your twisted pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is the secret to a silky, perfectly clinging sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
3. Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a paste, which is your roux. Cook for one more minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Create the Creamy Base: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Follow with the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Make it Cheesy: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and velvety. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency. Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.
6. Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked, drained twisted pasta and the chicken back into the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are beautifully coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

This entire process for your garlic chicken pasta is straightforward, but the result is pure magic.

Nutritional Information

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is a satisfying and hearty meal. Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):

• Calories: ~680
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 34g

The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, while the dairy offers calcium. For a lighter version, see the healthier alternatives below.

Equipment Needed

You do not need any fancy gadgets for this chicken pasta dish. A reliable large skillet or Dutch oven and a sturdy whisk are your best friends here. A good box grater for the Parmesan cheese is also highly recommended for the creamiest sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.

• Comfort in a Bowl: It is the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal that feels indulgent and homemade.
• Family-Friendly Winner: Even the pickiest eaters cannot resist the combination of tender chicken and cheesy pasta.
• Incredibly Versatile: You can easily add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli to pack in more veggies.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
• One-Pan Potential: By using a large, deep skillet, you can cook the chicken, make the sauce, and combine everything in a single vessel for easier cleanup.

If you love the ease of one-pan meals, you will adore our Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for another hands-off dinner option.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily adapt this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free twisted pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
• Lighter/Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. For a lighter sauce, use 2% milk and a bit of cornstarch as a thickener.
• Higher Protein: The dish is already protein-packed, but you can add a scoop of plain Greek yogurt to the sauce at the end for an extra boost.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in two large handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped steamed broccoli florets when you combine the pasta and sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can round it out perfectly. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is non-negotiable for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce. For a lighter option, simple roasted asparagus or green beans pair wonderfully. When you are looking for more chicken spaghetti recipes, our Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is another fantastic, crowd-pleasing choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can change the outcome of your creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta. Here is how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Pound your chicken to an even thickness so it cooks uniformly. Remove it from the pan as soon as it reaches 165°F internally to keep it juicy.
• Using Pre-Shredded Bagged Parmesan: These cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent your sauce from becoming perfectly smooth. Grating your own is always best.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a chef secret for helping the sauce emulsify and cling to every nook and cranny of the twisted pasta. Do not forget to reserve it.
• Adding Cheese to a Boiling Sauce: Always reduce the heat to low before adding your cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to seize up and become greasy instead of creamy.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta makes for fantastic leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. You can also use the microwave, reheating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between.

If you are a fan of creamy, comforting soups, our Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup has a very similar cozy vibe and is perfect for a chilly evening.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is more than just a meal, it is a dinnertime victory. It is the answer to what to make when you need something guaranteed to please, something that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and the table with happy faces. It proves that with a handful of simple ingredients and a little know-how, you can create a memorable, restaurant-worthy experience right at home. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your own collection of dinner suggestions.

I would love to hear how your creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta turns out. If you are looking for another decadent creamy garlic sauce to fall in love with, you must try our Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon next. And don’t forget to share your creations with me over on Pinterest by tagging Harmony Meal. Happy cooking.

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