Twisted Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Creamy, dreamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a true comfort food masterpiece. Perfectly seared chicken breasts are sliced and layered over buttery garlic sauce-drenched rotini, creating a meal that looks restaurant-worthy but feels like a cozy night in.

The garlic Parmesan sauce is rich yet balanced, coating every spiral of pasta with flavor, while the chicken brings the perfect hint of spice and sear. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking to impress guests, this dish hits all the right notes—cheesy, creamy, savory, and totally satisfying.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini pasta is ideal for this dish because the spirals grab onto every bit of the sauce, maximizing flavor in every bite. However, feel free to experiment with fusilli, cavatappi, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is a pasta shape with plenty of surface area to soak up that luscious garlic Parmesan cream.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the hearty, protein-packed centerpiece of this dish. Their mild flavor allows the seasoning and sauce to shine.

Rotini Pasta – The twisty shape of rotini makes it perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream – Essential for creating that rich, velvety texture in the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the cream, creating a luscious cheese sauce with salty, nutty depth.

Garlic – Fresh garlic adds bold, aromatic flavor that defines the entire dish.

Butter – Used for sautéing garlic and adding richness to the sauce.

Olive Oil – Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.

Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning – These spices give the chicken its savory crust and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Fresh Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is searing, cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently, then add freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Assemble

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Nestle them on top of the cheesy pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta Dish

Serve this dish fresh and hot, straight from the skillet to the table. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread on the side? Always a yes.

To store leftovers, place the pasta and chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life and prevent dryness. For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will give you a slightly juicier and richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. The result will be lighter but still creamy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Store separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?

Low and slow is key. Reheat over medium-low heat, and stir in a little milk or cream to re-emulsify the sauce.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as cream sauces tend to separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli make excellent additions that pair well with the creamy sauce.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this cheesy chicken pasta, here are a few more creamy, comforting meals to keep on rotation:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a heartier pasta night.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings bold, buttery flavor to your table.
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo if you’re in the mood for a steak twist.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a slow-cooked, easy-prep meal.
• Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce if you’re craving seafood with a similar creamy vibe.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 swap the pasta shape or add veggies? Maybe tried it with grilled chicken instead?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more recipe inspiration, check out my daily kitchen creations on Pinterest: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

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