Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every bite. Think golden seared chicken nestled against creamy rotini pasta, all coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears fast and earns repeat requests.

What makes this dish stand out is the balance—the crispy edges of the chicken meet the creamy richness of the cheese sauce, while the rotini pasta traps every bit of that garlicky flavor in its spirals. It’s easy enough for weeknights but indulgent enough for guests.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini pasta is the top pick here because its spiral shape holds the creamy sauce like a dream. You could substitute with penne or fusilli, but rotini gives you the best sauce-to-pasta ratio. The sauce clings to every twist and turn, making every bite taste like pure comfort.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, adding protein and flavor-packed bites to the dish.

Rotini pasta: Twisted pasta that grabs onto the sauce, ensuring every forkful is rich and creamy.

Heavy cream: Creates the luscious base for the parmesan garlic sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best—melts smoothly and delivers bold, nutty flavor.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a fragrant and savory depth to the creamy sauce.

Butter: Adds richness to both the chicken sear and the sauce base.

Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly and crisply.

Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for brightness and a pop of color.

Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the flavors and gives balance.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and let rest.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and continue stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or chunks. Add the drained rotini to the sauce and toss to coat. Add chicken back into the pan and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley if desired. Every bite should be creamy, savory, and full of texture.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Serve this dish hot and fresh from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier presentation, plate it in wide bowls and top with extra parsley and parmesan.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The outside should be golden brown and juices should run clear.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give a juicier bite and still work beautifully with the garlic parmesan sauce.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and butter if you’re in a pinch. Just note that the sauce may be slightly less thick.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s not recommended—cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store in the fridge for a few days.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your parmesan is certified gluten-free.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Creamy Twists?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta, here are a few more you should try:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli – A one-pan wonder with hearty sausage.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli – Perfectly creamy with roasted veggie crunch.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – Ultimate weeknight indulgence.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne – Elegant enough for a dinner party.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce – A family favorite baked to bubbly perfection.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever the craving strikes. Follow me on Pinterest for more daily recipe ideas from Life with Jam.

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and tell me what you thought. Did you use a different pasta? Maybe added mushrooms or spinach? I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome—let’s make cooking more fun together!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the coziest dinner you can make on a busy night or for special guests. Tender seared chicken meets spiraled rotini in a garlic-infused parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. Comfort food at its most indulgent, yet simple to make.

Instructions

1. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes per side. Set aside.

3. In a pot of salted boiling water, cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve.

4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in parmesan cheese and cook until fully melted and smooth.

6. Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

7. Toss pasta in the sauce, then return chicken to skillet. Sprinkle with parsley and combine everything.

8. Serve warm with additional parmesan and parsley, if desired.