Golden pan-seared chicken meets rich, cheesy pasta in this ultra-satisfying dinner. Creamy garlic Parmesan sauce clings to every spiral of the rotini, and tender, seasoned chicken adds the perfect savory bite. It’s comfort food that feels elevated but is surprisingly easy to make on a weeknight.

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta recipe is the kind of meal that gets devoured in minutes and requested on repeat. It’s indulgent but balanced, and it pairs well with everything from crusty bread to a fresh green salad.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini pasta is the star here thanks to its twisted shape, which holds onto the sauce like a dream. You can swap in penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta, but rotini really lets the creamy garlic-Parmesan base shine.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seared to perfection and provide a flavorful protein base.

Rotini Pasta: Twisted pasta that grabs all the creamy sauce in its spirals.

Heavy Cream: The backbone of the luscious sauce—rich, silky, and satisfying.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with deep, aromatic flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty creaminess and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Butter: For sautéing and flavor depth.

Olive Oil: Helps the chicken get that golden crust when searing.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they add a subtle kick to balance the richness.

Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out every other flavor.

Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish adds a burst of color and freshness.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Lower heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let it melt and thicken slightly. Add the drained rotini and stir until pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Slice the rested chicken and serve over or beside the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve this dish hot and fresh from the pan. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

For leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While Parmesan adds a distinct nutty flavor, you can mix in mozzarella for extra melt or asiago for more sharpness.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly, thanks to the red pepper flakes—but feel free to skip them if you prefer a completely mild dish.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as flavorful and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even a blend of milk and cream cheese. Just note the sauce may be a bit less rich.

Does this freeze well?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, reheat slowly and stir well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach instead.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy garlic parmesan dish hit the spot, here are some other cozy favorites to try next:

📌 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 tweak the spice level? Add in veggies? Try a different pasta?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to the table. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

For even more easy and comforting recipe ideas, check out my daily creations on Pinterest: Life with Nina

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce tossed with tender rotini and topped with juicy golden chicken breasts. This easy dinner feels indulgent and comes together in one skillet for the perfect comfort meal.