Name: Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Twisted Pasta and Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half & half); 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat; 12 oz twisted pasta (like rotini, fusilli, or gemelli); Salted water for boiling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it combines familiar flavors—garlic, cream, and Parmesan—in a way that’s simple yet absolutely delicious. The twisted pasta adds a fun texture and catches the sauce in every spiral. I can serve it for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even when I’m having guests over. It’s rich and indulgent, but easy enough to pull off without any stress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
salt and pepper
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
olive oil or butter
garlic (minced)
heavy cream
chicken broth
grated Parmesan cheese
twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or gemelli)
fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
I season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the skillet and let it rest.
In the same skillet, I add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits.
I stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it cook gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
I slice the chicken and return it to the pan, along with the cooked pasta. I toss everything together until coated in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
I garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so the total time is around 40–45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a spicy kick, I add red pepper flakes to the sauce. I’ve also swapped the chicken for shrimp or used gluten-free pasta with great results.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, since the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best?

I like using rotini or fusilli because the twisted shape grabs onto the sauce, but penne or farfalle also work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I cook everything and store it separately—pasta, chicken, and sauce. When I’m ready to eat, I combine and reheat everything gently.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt. Pre-shredded cheese sometimes doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

I’ve tried it with whole milk, and while it works, the sauce isn’t as rich. Half-and-half is a good middle-ground if I want to lighten it up a bit.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If the sauce is too thin, I let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a bit more cheese. I avoid using flour since the cheese and cream create a thick texture on their own.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan chicken with twisted pasta and garlic sauce is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make—all the things I look for in a great pasta dinner. Whether I’m cooking for family or just myself, it’s always a satisfying choice that leaves me full and happy.