Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Have you ever craved a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly? Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, paired with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, each twist hugging that cheesy creaminess. This dish is comfort food at its finest, with just enough sophistication to impress your guests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: juicy, flavorful chicken seared to perfection, and pasta that’s both rich and light, with a hint of fresh herbs to cut through the cream. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a guaranteed win at the dinner table.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the right tools — they’ll make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for searing the chicken evenly and creating that flavorful sauce base.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for boiling the rotini pasta to al dente.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken without losing its beautiful sear.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce gently and scraping up those tasty browned bits from the pan.
• Colander: For draining pasta while preserving a bit of starchy water to help the sauce cling.

Having these tools ready ensures your workflow stays uninterrupted, letting you focus on building layers of flavor for this irresistible meal.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts – Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Rotini Pasta – The spiral shape holds onto the sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
• Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic base.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Butter – Helps sear the chicken and adds richness to the sauce.
• Olive Oil – Prevents sticking and contributes subtle fruity notes.
• Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning throughout.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a medium saucepan, cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt a bit more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the browned bits. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested chicken and arrange over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

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Serving and Storing Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve this dish immediately while it’s warm and the sauce is silky. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables makes a perfect pairing. Crusty bread is highly recommended for scooping up every last drop of the garlic Parmesan sauce.

For storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well, but rotini holds the sauce beautifully.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Not ideally, as creamy sauces tend to separate after freezing and thawing.

Can I make the sauce without butter?

Yes, but butter adds a richness and depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. Olive oil can work in a pinch.

What vegetables pair well with this recipe?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus complement the flavors perfectly.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture, but pre-grated works for convenience.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you might also enjoy Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for a smoky, spicy twist. Or try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for bite-sized indulgence.

For a comforting baked option, check out Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with its tangy kick. If you prefer something hearty and rich, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers layers of bold flavor.

And for more of my favorite recipes, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate, where I share daily cooking inspiration.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

Save this recipe to your comfort food board so it’s ready when the craving strikes. Click the Pin button above.

If you make this dish, I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you try adding a little extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes? Share your experience in the comments — I always enjoy seeing how others make these recipes their own.

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