Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Looking for the ultimate comfort food fix that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta. A true family favorite in our household, this dish combines tender chicken strips, perfectly cooked twisted pasta, and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that clings to every twist and turn of the rotini, ensuring each bite is a burst of creamy goodness. It’s like fettuccine Alfredo, but elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the combination of ingredients that work together harmoniously to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. From the three-cheese blend of Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella to the addition of heavy cream for that silky mouthfeel, every component plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout. And let’s not forget the twisted pasta, which not only adds a fun twist to the classic pasta dish but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

So, whether you’re in need of a quick and easy weeknight meal or looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something rich, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting. Give it a try and get ready to add a new go-to recipe to your rotation that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Twisted pasta captures sauce in every ridge and curl, maximizing flavor in each bite compared to flat noodles.
Properly sliced chicken breast ensures tender, flavorful protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Three cheese blend offers a harmonious mix of flavors – salty depth from Parmesan, velvety body from cream cheese, and irresistible stretch from mozzarella.
Reserved pasta water binds the sauce to the pasta, creating restaurant-quality dishes that never feel greasy or separated.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

The twisted pasta captures the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in every ridge and curl, ensuring you get a perfect bite of pasta, protein, and velvety goodness with every forkful.
Slicing the chicken breasts into strips allows for quick cooking and tender meat that absorbs all the amazing flavors of the sauce, avoiding the common issue of dry, overcooked chicken in pasta dishes.
The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates a luxurious and flavorful sauce that is velvety, rich, and doesn’t curdle, giving you the ultimate comfort food experience.
Using reserved pasta water in the sauce binds everything together, creating a restaurant-quality texture that is never greasy or separated, ensuring a cohesive and delicious dish.
Simple sides like roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or a refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette perfectly complement the richness of the main dish, offering a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The recipe offers protein variations with shrimp, Italian sausage, or vegetable additions such as mushrooms, peas, or spinach, allowing you to customize the dish to your preferences and dietary needs.
With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this meal as a quick and delicious option for future dinners, making it a convenient and practical recipe for busy weeknights.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between familiar comfort food and special indulgence, offering a reliably satisfying meal that is both accessible and exceptional, making dinner a delightful experience rather than a chore.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

For the Chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta and Sauce

½ cup reserved pasta cooking water
12 ounces twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus extra for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
½ cup chicken broth
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup cream cheese, softened

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook twisted pasta until al dente according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare and cook the chicken

While the pasta cooks, season sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Start the sauce

In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if desired) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create the cream base

Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.

Step 5: Add the cheeses

Lower the heat. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Add cream cheese in small pieces, stirring until smooth. Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth. If needed, add pasta water gradually for desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with any juices. Mix in the drained pasta until coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors and heat through.

Step 7: Serve

Take the sauce off the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot to enjoy the creamiest sauce.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and enjoyed the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta, it is essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their quality. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, it is best to use the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help revive the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick or dry.

While this dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, it is not recommended to freeze it. Cream-based sauces like the one in this recipe tend to separate when thawed, affecting the overall texture and taste of the dish. To streamline future meals, consider preparing components separately for meal prep. Cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and make the fresh sauce when you are ready to serve for the best results. By following these storage strategies, you can enjoy delicious leftovers and save time on busy weeknights.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, you can easily swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein such as tofu or seitan. Both options can be sliced and cooked similarly to the chicken, absorbing the flavors of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce while providing a hearty texture to the dish.

For a lighter version of this indulgent pasta, you can replace the heavy cream with a combination of half-and-half and Greek yogurt. This substitution maintains the creamy consistency of the sauce while reducing the overall calorie and fat content. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy note that complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully. Additionally, using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional twisted pasta can boost the fiber content of the dish and cater to dietary preferences or restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta, consider serving it in individual mini cast iron skillets. The personal-sized portions add a charming touch to the meal and create a cozy, rustic feel that enhances the comfort food experience. Top each skillet with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

For a fun twist on traditional serving methods, try turning this dish into a pasta bake. Layer the cooked twisted pasta and creamy chicken mixture in a baking dish, topping it with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown for a comforting and indulgent meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve the pasta bake with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

FAQs for Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli are recommended for capturing the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just keep in mind that different shapes may affect how well the sauce clings to the pasta.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream.

How can I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding the cheeses?

To prevent the sauce from curdling, make sure to lower the heat when adding the cheeses. High heat can cause the sauce to separate and become oily. By lowering the heat and stirring gently, you can achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or seafood-based?

Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a seafood version, you can substitute shrimp for the chicken or even add in other seafood like scallops or crab meat for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

As you finish preparing this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta for your loved ones, remember that the magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and ability to bring comfort with every bite. The velvety garlic Parmesan sauce clinging to each twisted pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will surely become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

So, whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleaser for guests, trust in the power of this dish to bring smiles and satisfaction all around. Embrace the process of cooking with love and care, knowing that the reward of enjoying a delicious meal together is always worth it. Cheers to many more memorable moments shared over plates of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta!