Some nights, you just crave pure, unadulterated comfort food—something rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying that still comes together without a fuss. That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pastadelivers! Imagine perfectly seared, tender chicken breasts, nestled in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, all intertwined with chewy, twisted pasta and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that makes for an unforgettable weeknight dinner. This dish is designed to be your go-to when you need a hearty meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true hero in my kitchen, especially on those evenings when I need something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. What I love most about it is the incredible depth of flavor that develops in just one skillet. Searing the chicken first locks in its juices and creates a beautiful golden crust, then the same pan is used to build that rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce.

The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and not one, but two kinds of cheese (Parmesan for sharpness, mozzarella for that irresistible stretch!) makes for a truly satisfying experience. It’s comfort food at its finest, but it’s still simple enough to conquer on a busy weeknight. Plus, it looks impressive when served, making it perfect for both family dinners and casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting and cheesy chicken pasta dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini work perfectly)
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Pasta: Fusilli or rotini are great because their twists capture the sauce, but penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine would also work.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or Gruyere for the mozzarella, or Pecorino Romano for the Parmesan.
• Herbs: A pinch of dried oregano or basil can be used if you don’t have Italian herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add a lovely aromatic touch to the sauce.
• Spice: For a little kick, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés.
• Vegetables: To add some greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of sauce simmering, or some sautéed mushrooms with the garlic.

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Directions

This comforting meal comes together quickly in just a few simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the dried Italian herbs.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably oven-safe or one you can easily transfer to) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Simmer the Cream Sauce: Pour in the 1 1/2 cups heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, stir in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with a little more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained twisted pasta to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta. Then, add the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and continue to stir until the mozzarella is fully melted and the pasta is beautifully coated in a thick, cheesy sauce.
7. Finish & Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta and sauce. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top of the chicken. Let everything warm together in the skillet for 2-3 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) then remove it.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan will melt smoother and have a much better flavor in your sauce.
• Low and Slow Sauce: When adding the cream and cheese, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the sauce from breaking or the cheese from clumping. Gentle simmering is key.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook your pasta to just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a robust meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions.

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: You can never have too much garlic! A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For an even more indulgent experience, try making a Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese alongside.
• Roasted Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would add a nice vegetable component.
• Other Italian-Inspired Meals: If you enjoy comforting Italian-American flavors, consider pairing this with a side of my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce (if you like a red sauce option) or another cheesy chicken favorite like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish makes fantastic leftovers, as the flavors tend to deepen.

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the container with the pasta and chicken, then microwave or gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and creamy again. The sauce might thicken upon cooling, so the extra liquid helps.
• Best Texture: The pasta will absorb more sauce over time, so the dish might be less “saucy” when reheated.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting chicken and cheesy dishes that are quick and easy to make, here are a few other Chef Maniac favorites you’ll want to explore:

• For another incredibly cheesy and satisfying chicken dish, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re looking for an addictive cheesy bite, you can’t go wrong with Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
• For a different take on a comforting one-pan chicken meal, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• And if you’re a fan of hearty, crowd-pleasing meals, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds. Quick enough for a busy weeknight yet delicious enough for a special occasion, it’s destined to become a regular in your rotation. Dive into this creamy, cheesy goodness, and enjoy every comforting bite!

What’s your favorite cheesy pasta dish? Share your go-to comfort food creations in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.