🍽️ Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, paired with cheesy, tender pasta twists — this dish is a total weeknight winner.
Rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare, this chicken and pasta combo is pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to something cozy, it’s the kind of dish that earns rave reviews every single time.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Pasta:
8 oz twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or gemelli work best)
Salt for the pasta water
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Splash of pasta water (reserved)
🔧 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Remove chicken and set aside; keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and season with more salt/pepper if needed.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta into the cream sauce.
Stir in shredded mozzarella and cream cheese, plus a splash of reserved pasta water to help melt and blend the cheeses into a silky sauce.
Stir until pasta is fully coated and cheesy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet or serve alongside the cheesy pasta.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta for a veggie boost.
For a kick of spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to the sauce!
🧊 Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.