If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked rotini pasta twisted luxuriously in a silky parmesan sauce, topped with golden, garlicky chicken breasts that are bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that turns any ordinary dinner into something special, yet remains effortless enough to whip up after a busy day. This recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen, combining cheesy goodness with rich garlic and fresh herbs for a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart and soul of the dish, simple yet essential, each adding its own magic to the flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the creamy parmesan, every element plays a key role in making this recipe shine.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: The twisted shape captures sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: For juicy, tender protein that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create that smooth sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture the sauce is known for.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Provides savory, nutty notes and thickens the sauce to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who enjoy a touch of spice.
How to Make Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until just al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta but don’t toss out all the pasta water — save about half a cup of it for later because it’s liquid gold when it comes to loosening the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, get your chicken ready by seasoning both sides generously with salt, pepper, and some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you like. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, right from the start.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest — this keeps the juices sealed inside for tender, juicy bites every time.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for 30 seconds. You want it fragrant and lightly toasted, not burnt, because that garlic aroma will be the foundation of your creamy sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, lowering the heat to let it gently simmer. Scrape up any delicious browned bits left from cooking the chicken — these add incredible depth to your sauce. Let the cream reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens and becomes dreamy.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a cheesy, velvety texture. If you’re in the mood for a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes now. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as you like — this is where you customize the dish to your perfect flavor balance.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together so every twisted piece is coated in that rich, garlicky cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time — it helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy and silky.
Step 8: Serve with Sliced Chicken
Slice the rested chicken breasts and lay them right on top of the cheesy pasta. Finish with an extra sprinkle of parsley and parmesan for that beautiful pop of color and flavor that makes the dish shine.
How to Serve Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese are classic garnishes that add brightness and a touch of elegance. You can even add a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten things up and add freshness to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for some additional color and crunch. Garlic bread is an obvious, irresistible side that completes the meal with its buttery crispiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve the pasta in warm, shallow bowls and arrange the chicken slices in a fan shape on top. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or basil to add some freshness. If you want to go fancy, sprinkle some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce might thicken upon standing, so give it a little stir and a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Freezing
While the chicken and pasta combo is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes separate slightly upon thawing, so warm slowly and stir well.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating at high power as it may cause the sauce to split or dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully because of its twisted shape that holds sauce beautifully, penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives that will work just as well with this creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mild by default, but if you love a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes during the sauce-making step gives it a lovely gentle kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the rotini pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure your parmesan cheese and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t skip the resting step after cooking your chicken. Letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy bites.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
You can cook and store the pasta separately and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve. The chicken can also be cooked ahead and reheated gently. This way, your mealtime prep is quicker and less stressful.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe that makes it perfect for any night of the week. It’s a dish that combines hearty flavors and creamy indulgence in a way that always feels special. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every rich, garlicky, cheesy bite with those you love. Once you do, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to meals for celebrations or simply when you want to treat yourself at home.
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Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts served over twisted rotini pasta tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley (or optionally Italian seasoning).
- Sear the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rotini into the creamy sauce and toss well to coat. Use the reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them atop the cheesy twisted pasta. Garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan results in a smoother sauce than pre-grated.
- You can substitute rotini with fusilli, penne, or other similar shaped pasta.
