What type of pasta works best for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Twisted pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi are ideal as their grooves and spirals effectively capture the creamy sauce and small pieces of chicken and cheese. Penne or farfalle are also excellent choices for this dish.

How do I ensure a truly creamy and rich sauce?

For a luxurious, creamy sauce, use heavy cream (or a mix of heavy cream and milk), freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a thickening agent like a light roux (butter and flour) or a touch of cream cheese. Simmering the sauce gently allows it to thicken and the flavors to fully meld.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or different chicken cuts?

Absolutely. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be shredded or diced and added near the end of the sauce cooking. Chicken thighs are also a fantastic alternative to breasts, providing a richer flavor and often retaining more moisture. Adjust cooking times if using raw thighs.

What are good side dishes to pair with this pasta meal?

Complement this rich and hearty dish with lighter sides. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette, steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a warm loaf of garlic bread perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, are all excellent choices.

How long can leftovers be stored and what's the best way to reheat them?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the sauce's creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is also an option, but monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or add more vegetables?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or chickpeas. For additional vegetables, stir in broccoli florets, peas, or diced bell peppers during the sauce simmering process.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings rich, creamy flavors, tender chicken, and a cheesy pasta experience all in one dish. 2025

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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A family favorite that transforms dinner into something special. Tender chicken and twisted pasta are coated in a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Author: Harmony Meal
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 25min
Total Time: 40min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces twisted pasta (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
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over butter and garlic, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream, until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
Slice chicken into strips. Add drained pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For best results, grate your own Parmesan from a block for a smoother sauce. The reserved starchy pasta water is key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Do not add cheese to a boiling sauce to prevent it from becoming greasy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 680
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 850
Fat: 34
Saturated Fat: 18
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 2
Protein: 42
Cholesterol: 165

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-cheesy-twisted-pasta-2/