Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta: The Ultimate Cozy Night-In Dinner

If there’s one dish that checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and weeknight ease, it’s creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta. It’s one of those meals that makes you sigh with happiness after the first bite. Trust me—I’ve done the research.

This dish came to my rescue on a Tuesday evening when I was juggling a laundry pile the size of Everest and two very vocal “hangry” teenagers. I needed something fast, indulgent, and family-approved. And let me tell you, this creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in Parmesan sauce did not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Flavor-packed: You’ve got garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, and a hint of Italian herbs dancing together in a luscious sauce.
  • Quick & satisfying: Ready in under 45 minutes from pantry to plate.
  • Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to go quiet when this hits the table—always a good sign.
  • Weeknight warrior: Minimal prep and easy cleanup, thanks to smart ingredient choices.

What Does Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Taste Like?

Imagine your favorite Alfredo sauce but richer and with more personality. The garlic isn’t shy, the Parmesan is front and center, and the creamy base hugs every bite of chicken and twisted pasta like it was meant to be. It’s like mac and cheese grew up, went to culinary school, and came home to impress the family.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here’s your grocery list (no need to measure just yet):

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Fresh garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (totally optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Fresh parsley (for that final flourish)

How to Make the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Golden seared chicken and tender twisted pasta smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce—your next favorite comfort food.
  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the twisted pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Season and sear the sliced chicken breast until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce:
    • In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
    • Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
    • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cheese it up: Add cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Fold in the mozzarella until melty and dreamy.
  5. Bring it all together: Toss the pasta and chicken back into the sauce. Stir gently to coat every bite.
  6. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly underdone is perfect since it finishes cooking in the sauce.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends easier and prevents lumps.
  • Go slow with the sauce: Let it simmer gently—rushing can break the sauce.
  • Add veggies if you like: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great add-ins.
  • Double it: Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day (just add a splash of cream or milk).

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch—just stir it in at the end.

Is there a low-fat version?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use low-fat cream cheese, but the sauce may be less thick.

What pasta works best?
Rotini, fusilli, or any twisty pasta that holds onto sauce. Even penne works!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, store the sauce separately and combine when reheating.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It brings cozy vibes, rich flavors, and the kind of satisfaction that makes a kitchen feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s a hectic weekday or you’re just in need of some serious comfort food, this dish delivers.

I’ve made this pasta for dinner parties, late-night cravings, and even when I needed to impress my in-laws—and each time it’s earned glowing reviews (and empty plates). It’s one of those meals where people ask for seconds before they’ve even finished their first helping.

Looking to mix things up next time? Try swapping in shrimp or mushrooms, or serve it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full spread. Whatever way you serve it, this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken will never steer you wrong.

Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta served in a bowl

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Alma
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! Seared chicken breast slices, twisted pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce—comfort food at its finest.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
  • 12 oz Twisted pasta rotini or fusilli
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 4 tbsp Butter divided
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup Cream cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Keyword cheesy pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic chicken, twisted pasta, Vegan Cookies

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