If you love cozy comfort food, this dish will hit the spot. Tender, golden-seared chicken paired with a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with cheesy, twisted pasta—it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but comes together without much fuss.
Whether you’re cooking for a regular weeknight or trying to impress dinner guests, this one-pan (plus pasta pot) wonder delivers every time.ç
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and comforting – Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- One-pan magic – Less cleanup, more deliciousness.
- Weeknight or weekend-worthy – Special enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesdays.
- Creamy, cheesy, garlicky – It’s everything you crave in a pasta dish.
🍗 What Chicken Works Best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here—they cook quickly and soak up all that garlicky goodness. Prefer dark meat? Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and a richer flavor.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Pasta: Use rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi—anything with ridges or spirals to hold the sauce.
- Cream: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but Romano or Asiago work too. Going dairy-free? Try nutritional yeast and plant-based cream.
- Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder (½ tsp per clove) works in a pinch.
- Herbs: Parsley adds brightness, but chives, basil, or thyme also pair beautifully.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1¼ lb chicken thighs)
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1¼ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 How to Make It
1. Cook the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F).
- Remove from pan and let rest.
2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium, melt the remaining butter, and add minced garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Add chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Stir in cream and bring to a simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Boil the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. Combine Everything
- Slice the rested chicken.
- Add pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
- Stir in some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Nestle sliced chicken on top and let it all warm together.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
⏱ Cooking Times
- Chicken: 5–6 minutes per side
- Sauce simmer: 5–6 minutes total
- Pasta: 8–10 minutes
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give the chicken space to brown.
- Watch your garlic – Burnt garlic = bitter sauce.
- Add cheese slowly – This keeps the sauce smooth.
- Use pasta water – It helps adjust sauce consistency.
- Rest the chicken – Keeps it juicy and tender.
- Serve fresh – This sauce is best hot off the stove.
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or breadsticks – For dipping into the sauce.
- Roasted veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms are all great.
- Fresh salad – Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar.
- Cherry tomato salad – Adds bright, juicy contrast.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing? You can, but the sauce may separate. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight and stir well when warming.
⚖️ Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550–650
- Protein: ~30–35 g
- Fat: ~30–40 g
- Carbs: ~45–55 g
- Fiber: ~2–4 g
(Varies depending on ingredients used.)
❓ FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just cook according to package directions.
Is it dairy-free adaptable?
Yes—use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I prep it ahead?
You can prep the sauce and chicken separately, but combine just before serving.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes work great stirred in at the end.
How do I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes with the garlic or finish with freshly cracked black pepper.
📝 Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is everything you want in a comfort food dish—rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re cozying up at home or cooking for friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget the crusty bread for mopping up the sauce!