Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

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Last week, I was in that familiar dinnertime panic mode, staring into the fridge and wondering how to conjure up something delicious with the limited ingredients I had on hand. I had some leftover cooked chicken, a half-empty bag of pasta, and the usual suspects in my pantry. That’s when the idea for creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta struck me! It was a total experiment, but boy, did it pay off. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken coated in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, nestled amongst perfectly cooked twisted pasta, all topped with a blanket of melted, golden cheese. Even my picky eater, who usually turns up his nose at anything “saucy,” devoured it!

This recipe has become a family favorite because it’s incredibly easy to throw together, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s the ultimate comfort food – rich, cheesy, and satisfying. I love that it uses simple ingredients that I usually have on hand, and it’s easily adaptable to what you have in your fridge. I remember the first time I made it, I was worried about the sauce being too thick, but a little pasta water worked wonders! Trust me; your family is going to love this as much as mine does! This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta recipe is sure to become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this family-pleasing dish:

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1 pound twisted pasta (rotini, cavatappi, or fusilli)
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

I’ve found that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt as nicely and lacks that rich, nutty flavor. My kids prefer mild mozzarella, but you can absolutely use a sharp cheddar or even a blend of cheeses for more flavor. I also always keep a jar of minced garlic in the fridge because let’s be honest, who always has fresh garlic on hand? Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as jarred minced garlic can sometimes be stronger.

Sometimes, I like to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. If you have some open, feel free to add about 1/4 cup along with the chicken broth. If you can’t find fresh parsley, dried works fine – just use half the amount. When buying chicken, I usually buy a large pack and cook it all at once, then shred it and freeze portions for quick weeknight meals. This way, I always have cooked chicken on hand for recipes like this! Be sure to check out the FDA on Safe Chicken Handling to ensure that your chicken is safe to cook with. This step is particularly important for food safety!

For a cost-saving suggestion, if you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half with a tablespoon of butter. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta:

Preparing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Trust me, you’ll want that pasta water!

Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is not a good flavor! Check out National Institutes of Health – Garlic Benefits to learn more about the health benefits of garlic.
Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes. A tip for a richer flavor is to let the parmesan melt completely before adding the chicken broth.
Add the chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through.

Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on this, because if it’s left for too long the cheese can become rubbery and the pasta can stick to the bottom of the pan.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – mine always does too! The key is to keep stirring the sauce so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. I learned the hard way to let it rest for a few minutes before serving – trust me on this one! It allows the sauce to thicken up a bit more and the flavors to meld together.

My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch. He says it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash more of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.

Serving Ideas

Here are a few ways I love to serve this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta:

We love this with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. The salad adds a nice fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta, and the bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes I’ll add a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, for a more complete meal. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces of cheese on top!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top – it makes it look so much fancier! A little sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts either. This has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy enough to make a large batch for everyone.

This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house, it barely feeds 4 hungry people! My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion, and my son likes to add a sprinkle of hot sauce for a little kick. If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. I usually pack it in a container and reheat it in the microwave. It’s also great cold straight out of the fridge! This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe pairs excellently with roasted broccoli and garlic bread. If you want to elevate this dish even further, consider pairing it with a light-bodied white wine.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta recipe:

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape will work well in this recipe. Penne, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni would be great substitutes for the twisted pasta. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce. Check out Nutritional Data for Pasta to learn more about the nutritional properties of different pasta shapes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time and then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Just store the pasta and sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce in a skillet and then add the pasta and cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I freeze this recipe?
While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the sauce and pasta may change slightly. The sauce might become a little grainy, and the pasta might become a little softer. If you do freeze it, be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe! Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce. It saves you time and effort, and it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding some vegetables instead. Sautéed mushrooms, broccoli florets, or spinach would all be great additions.

What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up. You can also add a little cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.

My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her: I use low-sodium chicken broth and omit the salt. I also use a lower-sodium Parmesan cheese. I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that! Be sure to keep the heat on medium-low and stir the sauce constantly so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta has truly become a staple in our home. It’s a recipe that I can always count on to please everyone, and it’s so easy to customize to our family’s preferences. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce clinging to the twisted pasta, combined with the tender chicken and melted cheese, is pure comfort food bliss.

Finished Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

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Here are a few extra tips I’ve learned along the way:

Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking – this helps it retain its juices and prevents it from drying out.
Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente is the way to go for the best texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese – the flavor difference is worth the extra effort.

My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. I often add a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to round out the meal. It’s incredible how such simple ingredients can create such a satisfying dish. If you love one-pan meals. You might also enjoy these garlic butter chicken bites with parmesan pasta, or this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta!

Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know! I am sure that your family will enjoy this easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe.

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Print Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 30
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Category: Pasta
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.