Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner with restaurant-level flavor, this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your new go-to. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta gets tangled in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, then paired with pan-seared chicken that’s juicy on the inside and golden on the outside. Each bite delivers creamy, garlicky goodness with a hint of herbs and melty cheese. It’s indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make!

What makes this dish extra special is how every component balances one another. The twisted rotini holds the sauce like a dream, while the herbed chicken adds texture and savory depth. This dish works just as well for a family weeknight dinner as it does for impressing guests. Once you try it, it’s likely to earn a spot on your regular rotation.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini or any twisted pasta is perfect for this recipe because the grooves and curls trap the creamy sauce beautifully. If you don’t have rotini, fusilli or even penne would be great alternatives. The goal is to use a shape that clings to every drop of the parmesan-garlic cream.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Rotini Pasta: Holds onto the sauce like a champ, adding perfect bite.
• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and seasoned with herbs for flavor-packed protein.
• Butter: Forms the base of the creamy garlic sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Adds bold, aromatic depth.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and perfectly melty for that cheesy finish.
• Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little heat to balance the richness.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley or Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side depending on thickness). Remove from skillet and let rest.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any bits from the chicken. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Season

Add grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken and place on top of the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle with extra parsley and parmesan before serving.

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Serving and Storing Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served warm, straight from the skillet, when the sauce is still silky and the chicken juicy. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm on the stovetop or microwave. The flavors actually deepen overnight!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, just slice and add it toward the end to warm through in the sauce.

Is there a lighter version of the sauce?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though it may be a little less rich. A dash of cream cheese can also help keep it thick.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the parmesan and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious in this dish. Just sauté them with the garlic or steam separately and stir in.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes are completely optional. Leave them out if you want a purely creamy, mild dish.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best fresh, but if you must freeze it, do so without the chicken for better texture. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this cheesy twisted pasta, you’ll want to explore these other creamy, hearty favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine

For even more recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest board @LifeWithNinaRecipes where I share daily meals and dinner ideas you’ll want to save!

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 use rotini or try another pasta? Add veggies or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and eat better.

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