Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

There is nothing more comforting than a plate of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta This dish is everything you want in a cozy meal with golden sautéed chicken nestled in luscious sauce that clings to every spiral of pasta The mix of garlic Parmesan and gooey mozzarella makes this super rich and incredibly satisfying and it all comes together in just half an hour

I first whipped this up on a hurried weeknight when I wanted something soul warming but didn’t want to fuss Much to my surprise my pickiest eater asked for seconds and now it is my go to when cravings strike

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and pick up flavor easily Choose plump cuts for tenderness
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection Look for extra virgin for the fullest taste
• Italian seasoning: Brings an herby warm note Any dried blend works but a fresh high quality mix really wakes up the flavors
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Brings out each ingredient’s best qualities Opt for flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper for a little burst of flavor in every bite
• Twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli: Lets the creamy sauce cling to all the curves Use bronze cut pasta if you can for the best texture
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce Choose unsalted to control the seasoning
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is key for deep aromatic flavor
• Red pepper flakes: Adds gentle warmth Skip or reduce for milder palates
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce body and silkiness Use full fat for best results
• Chicken broth: Rounds out the sauce and brings extra savory depth Choose low sodium if you need to watch the salt
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated adds nuttiness and tanginess Pre grated can turn grainy so grate your own if possible
• Cream cheese: Softened to blend in easily Gives the sauce its signature creaminess and slight tang
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded provides smooth stretch and irresistible melt Go for low moisture types for a velvet finish
• Fresh parsley: Chopped adds color and a fresh herbal top note Italian parsley with flat leaves has the most flavor
• Reserved pasta cooking water: Starchy water helps loosen the sauce and make it glossy

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Set a large pot of generously salted water on to boil Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente usually about eight to ten minutes Scoop out half a cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta then set both aside

Season and Sear the Chicken:

While the pasta cooks pat the chicken strips dry and season on both sides with salt pepper and Italian seasoning Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high Once hot add the chicken in a single layer Let cook five or six minutes turning occasionally until golden and cooked through to 165 degrees Place on a plate and cover loosely

Sauté the Aromatics:

Reduce the skillet to medium and drop in two tablespoons of butter Once melted add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using Sauté just one or two minutes stirring constantly so the garlic softens but does not go brown

Build the Sauce Base:

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream stirring to blend everything and scrape any flavorful bits off the bottom Let the mixture come to a gentle bubble and simmer for three or four minutes so it thickens slightly

Finish the Sauce:

Lower the heat to the bare minimum and slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan stirring constantly until melted in Add cubes of cream cheese and work them in until you get a glossy even sauce Stir in mozzarella until the sauce is perfectly smooth If your sauce looks thick add some reserved pasta water a splash at a time

Combine Everything:

Slide the cooked chicken and any plate juices into the skillet Add the drained pasta Gently toss everything together so the noodles and chicken are evenly coated Allow it all to heat two or three minutes so the flavors meld

Garnish and Serve:

Take the pan off the heat Sprinkle over chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan if you like Serve right away while the sauce is silky

My absolute favorite here is the fresh garlic You cannot substitute the way it perfumes the entire kitchen as it hits the hot butter It always reminds me of Sunday afternoons cooking with my grandmother with garlic and cheese as the base of everything good It is simple but it anchors the whole dish

Storage Tips

Keep leftover creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and pasta in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce will thicken as it chills so when reheating add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to a creamy state For best results reheat gently on the stove over low heat

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap out the chicken try cooked rotisserie meat or even sautéed shrimp For a lighter alternative substitute half and half for the cream or use whole wheat pasta Dairy free cream cheese and mozzarella also work in a pinch though the flavor will be a little different

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands powerfully on its own but I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli Garlic bread makes for an extra cozy pairing If you want to stretch it for a bigger group add sautéed baby spinach or sun dried tomatoes in the final step for extra color and nutrition

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is rooted in Italian American comfort cooking where cheese and cream meet short pasta shapes This style brings together Italian inspiration with American influences for the ultimate weeknight gratifier The twisted pasta pulls from southern Italian tradition but the super silky sauce is all about that stateside hug you get from hearty cheese and cream

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best?

Twisted shapes like rotini or fusilli are ideal, as they hold the creamy sauce well. You can substitute with penne or farfalle if needed.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works. Shred or dice it and add when combining the pasta with the sauce.

→ Is it possible to make the sauce thinner or thicker?

Add reserved pasta water gradually for a lighter sauce, or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

→ Are there any ingredient variations?

Sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach add great flavor. You can also try different cheeses or cream alternatives.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.