Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a cozy stovetop dinner featuring juicy chicken, a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and spiraled pasta that catches every drop. It is weeknight-friendly, indulgent, and consistently crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), patted dry and cutlets
12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, gemelli, or cavatappi)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1.25 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with 0.5 tsp salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165 F). Transfer to a plate; tent to rest.
2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook twisted pasta to al dente. Reserve 0.5-1 cup pasta water; drain.
3. In the chicken skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits.
4. Stir in heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer. Lower heat and add Parmesan a handful at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in mozzarella until melted. Season with remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Slice chicken. Toss drained pasta into sauce, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and silky. Fold in chicken.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer; boiling can cause separation.
Reserve pasta water; it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce when combining or reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken; creamy pasta; twisted pasta; weeknight dinner