Golden, pan-seared chicken meets rich and velvety garlic parmesan sauce in this cozy comfort dish that looks gourmet but cooks up easily in any kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is bound to become a repeat favorite.

The seared chicken brings that crave-worthy crust, while the rotini pasta spirals soak up every creamy, cheesy note. With a blend of garlic, herbs, and plenty of parmesan, it strikes a perfect harmony of indulgence and ease. This is weeknight pasta dinner goals with a touch of restaurant-style flair.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, it’s important to gather a few key tools to ensure your cooking process is smooth:

Cast Iron or Nonstick Skillet: Perfect for getting a golden-brown sear on your chicken without sticking or uneven cooking.
Large Pot: To cook the pasta until al dente and give it enough space to move freely.
Microplane or Cheese Grater: Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Garlic Press (optional): Speeds up prepping fresh garlic cloves.
Whisk: Ensures your creamy sauce stays lump-free and silky.

Having these basics in place not only simplifies the workflow but helps create that silky texture and flavorful sear that makes this dish shine.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-rich, they become tender and juicy when seared perfectly.
Rotini Pasta: These spiral noodles hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Heavy Cream: Forms the luxurious base of the parmesan sauce.

Fresh Garlic: Aromatic and essential for the rich, savory flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty creaminess and ties the sauce together.
Butter: Enhances flavor and helps start the base of the sauce.

Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken for that perfect golden crust.
Italian Seasoning: Provides balanced herbaceous notes throughout.
Salt & Pepper: Foundational seasoning to highlight all the main ingredients.

Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear each piece for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil rotini pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), careful not to burn.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Add heavy cream and whisk in the parmesan cheese. Stir continuously on low heat until it thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add cooked rotini into the sauce and toss to coat. Return the seared chicken to the skillet or plate it over the cheesy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Pasta Dish

Serve this dish immediately while warm and creamy. It’s perfect paired with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies.

To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the velvety texture. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs offer a bit more fat and flavor, just adjust cook time as needed.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help restore richness.

What pasta shapes work best besides rotini?

Fusilli, penne, or farfalle are great alternatives that hold the sauce well.

Is fresh garlic necessary?

Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1/2 tsp).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead and reheat gently before combining.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta, check out these other delicious pasta creations:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken with crispy breadcrumb topping and rich cheese layers.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a veggie-packed twist.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for cozy one-skillet goodness.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne to sneak in your greens with style.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a sweet-savory protein switch-up.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Extra herbs? Maybe a spicy kick?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore more daily meal inspiration on my Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comfort-food dream come true. Juicy pan-seared chicken is coated in a velvety parmesan and garlic cream sauce, then nestled atop perfectly cooked rotini. It’s hearty, indulgent, and surprisingly simple—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a flavorful weeknight meal.