Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

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This Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that blends crispy, juicy chicken bites with rich, creamy Alfredo pasta. The contrast of textures and flavors is what makes this recipe unforgettable—each bite gives you tender chicken seasoned to perfection and paired with silky rotini drenched in cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy Sunday meals, this dish feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this chicken and pasta duo hits the spot. It also reheats beautifully, so leftovers are never boring. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone excited around the dinner table.


What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is the ideal choice for this recipe. Its spiral shape is perfect for holding onto creamy Alfredo sauce in every twist and turn. You can also substitute with fusilli, penne, or farfalle—just avoid overly delicate pasta types that can get mushy with thick sauces.


Ingredients for the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Chicken Breast: The star of the dish. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and maximum surface area to soak up flavor.

Olive Oil & Butter: Used to sear and brown the chicken, creating a crispy, golden crust. Butter also infuses a rich flavor that complements the garlic.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is sautéed until fragrant, adding bold aroma and warmth to the chicken.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder create a balanced, savory flavor profile for the chicken.

Rotini Pasta: Twisted pasta that captures all the Alfredo goodness in its grooves.

Heavy Cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, providing that velvety richness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the Alfredo sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: For melty, stretchy texture throughout the sauce.

Parsley or Italian Herbs: Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color.

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How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot with a generous pinch of salt. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Add the golden garlic butter chicken on top and gently mix to combine or serve side-by-side.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh or dried parsley over the dish for a pop of color and herbaceous finish. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.


How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

This recipe is best served hot, straight from the skillet. If you’re planning to serve it for a dinner party, plate the pasta first, followed by the chicken layered on top, and finish with a sprinkle of herbs and extra parmesan.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce silky. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze the chicken and pasta separately. The Alfredo sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing, so fresh is always better.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. Use less cheese or opt for light mozzarella to reduce the richness.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but make sure to reheat it in the skillet with some garlic butter to enhance the flavor and texture before mixing it in.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted zucchini are excellent choices. They pair beautifully with creamy Alfredo and add freshness.

How do I thicken Alfredo sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it naturally thickens. If needed, stir in a bit more parmesan or a teaspoon of flour.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Gouda, asiago, or even a sharp cheddar can bring a fun twist. Just be sure they melt well and complement the sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the creamy pasta and flavorful chicken. You can adjust the spices to suit their taste.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this cheesy Alfredo chicken pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these other favorites:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs? A spicy twist? Or maybe swapped in shrimp?

I love seeing how you all customize these meals. Your creativity makes this community so inspiring. Want even more mealtime inspiration? Check out my daily recipe shares on Pinterest – Life with Nina


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Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish—tender, golden-seared chicken bites served with rotini smothered in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s indulgent, easy to prepare, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special meals with family.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter (for chicken)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon onion powder

12 oz rotini pasta

1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian herb blend


Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder.

2. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted and sauce thickens.

6. Add cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

7. Top with garlic butter chicken and garnish with parsley or herbs.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!


Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasonings for 15 minutes before cooking.

Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients and color.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Garlic Butter Pasta, Cheesy Pasta

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