Description
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic-herb flavor, this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish for any night of the week. Pan-seared chicken breast sits on top of creamy parmesan-coated rotini, delivering a restaurant-style meal in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, craving a quick comfort meal, or need a go-to food idea for guests—this dish hits every mark. Perfect for fans of rich, creamy sauces, this is one of those easy recipes you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ¼ cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
8 ounces rotini pasta
½ cup pasta water (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Meanwhile, boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in pasta water (or broth) to loosen the sauce as needed.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir in chopped parsley and mozzarella, if using. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Slice the rested chicken into strips and place on top of the pasta. Spoon some sauce over the top, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water when reheating to revive the creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, easy dinner, quick comfort food, pasta with chicken