Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What I love about this recipe is how it combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all made in one skillet. The rich garlic-Parmesan sauce is smooth, indulgent, and perfectly coats the pasta, while the chicken is seared to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a treat but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 tablespoons butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
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1/2 cup reserved pasta water
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and melt the butter. Then, I add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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I pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). I let it simmer gently, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
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While the sauce is simmering, I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. I reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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I add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and stir to coat. If the sauce needs to be creamier, I add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until I reach the desired consistency.
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Once the pasta is coated in the sauce, I slice the chicken breasts or leave them whole and place them on top of the pasta. I spoon some of the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
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I garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, I can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the pasta and sauce.
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Spicy Kick: If I want to turn up the heat, I can add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
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Different Cheese: I can swap the mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a richer flavor.
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Chicken Thighs: If I prefer a juicier cut, I can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend gently warming it on the stove with a splash of heavy cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, I can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, to heat through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but I can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, I just reheat the sauce, cook the chicken, and toss everything together.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes! While rotini or fusilli work great because they hold onto the sauce, I can use any pasta shape I like — penne, rigatoni, or farfalle would all work well.
Can I make this dish lighter?
To make it lighter, I can use a reduced-fat cream or substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. I can also skip the mozzarella cheese or use a smaller amount of cheese for a lower-calorie option.
Can I freeze this dish?
I don’t recommend freezing the pasta once it’s combined with the sauce, as the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing. However, I can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately and then reheat and combine when ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! If I’m short on time, I can use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of searing the chicken breasts. Just add the cooked chicken to the sauce in the last step and heat through.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the perfect dish when I’m craving comfort food that feels special. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta come together effortlessly, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, it’s a guaranteed hit that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender seared chicken with rich garlic cream sauce, melty cheese, and rotini pasta—this comforting skillet dinner is packed with flavor and ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Reduce heat; add butter to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
Add pasta to skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Slice or place whole chicken breasts over the pasta. Spoon extra sauce on top.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a veggie boost.
Use chicken thighs for added juiciness.
Swap mozzarella for gouda or provolone for a flavor variation.
Use half-and-half to lighten up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
