Craving a dinner that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make at home? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a must-try. Juicy seared chicken smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, paired with tender rotini coated in creamy cheese—it’s comfort food done right. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a cozy dinner party main, this dish brings flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

The real magic here lies in the contrast of textures: golden-browned chicken with a hint of char paired with soft, cheesy spirals of pasta that soak up the sauce perfectly. This recipe is easy to follow, yet the result feels gourmet. If you’re ready to upgrade your chicken and pasta game, let’s dive in.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before starting, having the right tools makes the process seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cast iron or heavy skillet: For the perfect sear on your chicken, giving it that caramelized crust and locking in the juices.
Large pot: You’ll need this for boiling the rotini pasta to al dente perfection.
Fine grater or microplane: For freshly grating parmesan cheese—it melts better and packs more flavor than pre-grated.
Whisk: Essential for blending your creamy garlic sauce smoothly, without lumps.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken and tossing the pasta evenly in sauce.

Taking a few minutes to prep your space with these items ensures a smoother cooking experience and a better final result.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Chicken breast or thighs: Provides the hearty protein base and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Rotini (twisted pasta): Its spiral shape captures the sauce in every bite.
Heavy cream: Forms the rich, velvety base of the garlic parmesan sauce.
Fresh garlic: Key to building bold flavor in the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami depth and creamy melt.
Butter: Helps create a silky base for the sauce and adds richness.
Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce.
Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbaceous layer to the overall dish.
Parsley (optional): Adds a touch of freshness and color at the end.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, whisking to combine. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, then add freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Use pasta water to thin if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Slice chicken and return to skillet or plate separately. Toss cooked rotini in the sauce until evenly coated. Plate the pasta and top with chicken slices. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

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

Serve this dish piping hot, ideally right after tossing the pasta in the sauce. It shines best with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, plate the pasta in a spiral and fan the sliced chicken across the top.

To store leftovers, let everything cool completely. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a plant-based cream alternative. Opt for grilled chicken instead of seared if you’re cutting back on fat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine will work well. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce nicely.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a skillet over medium heat and add a touch of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is possible, but the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily use gluten-free pasta and check that all ingredients (especially the parmesan and seasoning) are certified gluten-free.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes work beautifully. Add them to the sauce before tossing in the pasta.

Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this dish hit the spot, you’ll love these equally satisfying meals:

The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings a spicy twist with bold flavor and creamy finish.
Try Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a beefy, satisfying alternative.
Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni leans into the garlicky comfort of a creamy pasta.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce shares the same rich, creamy garlic notes.
Or go for Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese when you want hands-off, cheesy comfort.

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If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Did you stick with rotini or swap the pasta? Did you spice it up? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how you all make it your own.

For more daily inspiration, check out my full collection of recipes on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a satisfying, comforting dish that pairs seared chicken with rich, garlicky parmesan sauce and cheesy rotini pasta. It’s quick enough for weeknights but indulgent enough for special dinners. Each bite delivers savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors with perfectly cooked pasta and juicy, golden chicken.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

5. Cook rotini until al dente, then drain. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

6. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and garlic; sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

7. Add heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

8. Stir in parmesan cheese and continue stirring until melted and creamy. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

9. Toss cooked pasta in sauce until well-coated.

10. Slice rested chicken and serve on top of pasta. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Always use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor—it melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

If the sauce thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of cream or milk to revive its silkiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken pasta, cheesy pasta dinner, skillet chicken pasta