Name: Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 10 ounces rotini pasta; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 garlic cloves minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

When I think of comfort food that never fails, this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken instantly comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how the rich, garlicky cream sauce wraps around the pasta, while the perfectly seasoned chicken adds that golden, flavorful kick to balance everything out. It’s indulgent, cozy, and unbelievably satisfying.

This dish is a dinner favorite in my home, especially when I want to make something that looks like it took hours — but didn’t. The spiral pasta soaks up all that cheesy goodness, and the juicy, pan-seared chicken breast slices turn into little flavor bombs, thanks to a buttery, herby parmesan sauce with just a touch of heat. It’s a dish that can impress at any dinner party yet feels perfectly right on a casual weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Packed with flavor from the garlic, herbs, and cheese
Comfort food at its finest, creamy and satisfying
Great for any occasion – weeknights or entertaining guests
Simple ingredients, big reward
Customizable – you can tweak spice levels, cheese types, or pasta shapes
One-pan sauce magic – fewer dishes, less fuss

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

I love using rotini or fusilli for this recipe because the spirals hold onto the creamy garlic parmesan sauce so well. Each twist grabs just enough of the cheesy goodness to make every bite feel indulgent. That said, you’re not locked into one type of pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or even cavatappi can work beautifully — just go for a pasta shape that has texture or grooves to capture that rich sauce.

If you’re in a pinch and only have spaghetti or linguine on hand, those can work too, but you might find the sauce slides off more easily. So, when possible, reach for those twists!

Options for Substitutions

Need to make a few swaps? No problem — this recipe is super forgiving.

Chicken: You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option, or even rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta works just fine, and whole wheat pasta adds a nutty depth.
Cheese: Parmesan is a classic here, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or a bit of asiago for a sharp bite.
Cream: Heavy cream gives that rich sauce, but half-and-half or even a full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free) can do the trick.
Butter: Swap with olive oil if needed, but butter definitely brings that indulgent depth.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder can step in during emergencies — just scale it back a bit.

Ingredients for Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Chicken breasts – The star protein, sliced and seasoned to soak up all the garlic-parmesan flavor.
Rotini pasta – Twisted pasta that catches the creamy sauce in every groove.
Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty richness and that unmistakable cheesy pull.
Heavy cream – The base of the velvety sauce that binds everything together.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic brings that bold, savory kick to the dish.
Butter – Adds richness and helps cook the garlic and chicken to golden perfection.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and adds another layer of flavor.
Fresh parsley – For a bright, herby finish that contrasts the richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but adds a lovely touch of heat to balance the cream.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
Italian seasoning – Brings all the herbs together for a cohesive, savory profile.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini (or your choice of pasta) and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Parsley

Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss in chopped fresh parsley for brightness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and stir until well coated with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Let it sit over low heat for a minute or two to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Slice and Serve the Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts and plate them alongside or on top of the creamy pasta. Spoon a little extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with more parsley or parmesan if desired.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

The full process from start to finish takes about 30 to 35 minutes. Here’s the time breakdown:

Chicken: 10–12 minutes (depending on thickness)
Pasta: 8–10 minutes for al dente
Sauce prep and final assembly: 10–12 minutes

It’s a fast, weeknight-friendly dish that still delivers restaurant-quality flavor without hours in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juicier texture.
Use freshly grated parmesan — pre-shredded versions don’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce gritty.
Don’t overcook the garlic — it should be fragrant, not brown or bitter.
Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed — it helps bind everything thanks to the starch.
Let the chicken rest before slicing so the juices redistribute and stay inside.
Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet for the best sear and easiest cleanup.
Finish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor just before serving.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a straightforward dish like this, a few common missteps can make a big difference. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the chicken – Dry chicken ruins the entire experience. Cook just until no longer pink inside, then rest it before slicing.
Using cold cheese in the sauce – Cold cheese can clump. Let it come to room temp or add it slowly into the warm cream.
Not seasoning the pasta water – It should be salty like the sea! It’s your first layer of flavor.
Skipping the pasta water reserve – This starchy liquid is golden for adjusting the sauce texture. Don’t toss it all.
Burning the garlic – Garlic cooks fast; once it browns, it gets bitter. Watch it closely.
Crowding the pan – Give chicken space to sear; otherwise, it’ll steam and turn pale instead of golden.

What to Serve With Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

That crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance out the richness beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy crunch and roasts quickly in the oven while everything else cooks.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil keep the meal feeling light and bright.

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Another quick veggie side that adds color and texture to your plate.

Lemon Asparagus

A splash of citrus cuts through the creaminess and complements the garlic well.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

If you’re feeling fancy — these pair wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes.

Mini Tiramisu Cups or Chocolate Mousse

Because you need something sweet to end this meal right.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them the right way:

Refrigerate: Store the pasta and chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing not recommended: The creamy sauce can separate when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Store separately if possible: Keep chicken and pasta apart so the chicken doesn’t dry out when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Cholesterol: 125mg

Note: These values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they cook quickly and slice easily. You can also use boneless thighs for a juicier result.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then reheat and combine with the sauce just before serving. For best texture, make the sauce fresh.

How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

To thin it out, add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream. To thicken, let it simmer a bit longer or add a bit more grated parmesan.

Is there a way to make this dish less rich?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. You’ll still get creamy results with a lighter feel.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your parmesan and seasoning blends are gluten-free too.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions and blend beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild as written, but you can adjust the heat easily by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is that ultimate “treat yourself” dinner you didn’t know you needed. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, comforting enough for a chilly day, and impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re chasing down that garlic-parmesan flavor combo or just need an easy dinner idea with ingredients you already have, this dish delivers — big time.

Creamy, cheesy, herby, and just the right touch of indulgent — this is pasta night, leveled up.