If your comfort food cravings involve creamy sauces, melty cheese, and juicy golden chicken, this dish was made for you. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta brings together tender pan-seared chicken breasts and twirly rotini pasta smothered in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s indulgent, hearty, and hits every savory note you want in a cozy meal.

This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite gives you juicy seasoned chicken with a crisp sear, perfectly al dente pasta, and a sauce that’s so creamy and cheesy you’ll want to lick the plate. The red pepper flakes and parsley add a fresh pop of flavor and color, making this a complete dinner that feels restaurant-level but is totally achievable at home.

What Makes the Sauce So Irresistible?

The magic of this recipe is in the sauce. It starts with a base of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan, thickened into a luscious coating for every noodle twist. Fresh garlic brings in a deep aroma, while a touch of butter enhances the richness. Red pepper flakes add a mild kick without overpowering the dish, while parsley cuts through the creaminess with brightness. The result? A sauce that hugs every inch of the pasta and turns simple chicken into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to juicy perfection. Their lightly crisped exterior adds texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Rotini pasta: Twisted rotini is ideal for holding onto thick, creamy sauces. The shape traps every bit of cheesy garlic goodness.

Heavy cream: Forms the creamy base of the sauce. Rich and smooth, it blends perfectly with cheese.

Fresh garlic: Minced garlic adds the bold, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.

Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and deepest flavor.

Butter: A little butter enriches the sauce and helps blend all the flavors smoothly.

Red pepper flakes: Just a sprinkle gives a gentle heat that balances the richness.

Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a bright herbal finish and a pop of color.

Olive oil & seasoning: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavoring the chicken and pasta base.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Finish Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing until every piece is coated in cheesy creaminess. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested chicken breasts and place over a generous bed of the creamy pasta. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve warm.

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

Serve this dish hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese right before plating. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

For storing, let the pasta and chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free rotini pasta and double-check your parmesan and spices to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and work just as well.

What other pasta shapes work for this sauce?

Fusilli, penne, or cavatappi are all great alternatives that hold onto the sauce nicely.

Is it spicy with the red pepper flakes?

Nope—just a little warmth. Feel free to adjust up or down depending on your spice preference.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk is your best bet for maintaining some creaminess.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?

Slice the chicken and reheat it gently in a covered pan or microwave with the pasta. A splash of cream or milk helps revive the sauce.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy chicken pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting meals:

Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for that sizzling Southern flair.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for bold spice meets cream.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
Rattlesnake Pasta if you like a cheesy, spicy twist.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for cheesy indulgence done differently.

📌 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 go for extra garlic? Try a different pasta shape? Add a bit of spinach or mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, faster, and more delicious meals together.

For more daily recipes and ideas, follow along on Pinterest @hallarecipes – I share new inspiration every day.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is an ultra-comforting dinner featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, twirly rotini pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory with a touch of spice and freshness in every bite.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let rest.

3. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

6. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and chopped parsley. Stir to combine.

7. Slice the rested chicken and serve over the creamy twisted pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan, if desired.