Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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This Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything a comfort meal should be—rich, cheesy, garlicky, and irresistibly creamy. Imagine juicy, pan-seared chicken breast smothered in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, resting atop a bed of perfectly cooked rotini (aka twisted pasta), all coated in melted cheese that pulls with every bite.

It’s an easy yet elegant dinner idea that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro. The twisted pasta holds the sauce in all the right places, while the chicken adds protein-packed substance. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing a dinner date, this dish is guaranteed to deliver flavor and comfort.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Creamy + Cheesy: A double punch of cream and parmesan gives the sauce richness and tang.
• Twisted Pasta Perfection: Rotini clings to every drop of sauce for flavor in every bite.
• Garlic Lovers Dream: With both minced garlic and garlic powder, the flavor is deep and savory.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both clean their plates.
• Easy to Customize: Add veggies or swap the chicken for shrimp or mushrooms.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini (or any twisted pasta) is perfect for this recipe because the spirals catch the sauce beautifully. But feel free to use fusilli, cavatappi, or even penne if that’s what you have.

Avoid thin pasta like angel hair or spaghetti—they don’t hold the creamy sauce as well. You want something sturdy that can stand up to the thick, cheesy coating and pair well with juicy bites of chicken.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Every element here plays a flavorful part in bringing this creamy, cheesy chicken pasta to life.

• Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and lean protein.
• Rotini Pasta: Twisted shape that grabs onto sauce with every bite.
• Garlic (Minced + Powder): Double garlic for full-bodied flavor in both the sauce and the seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Adds salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Gives that gooey, stretchy, cheesy goodness.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce for a creamy texture.
• Butter: Sautés the garlic and adds richness to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Salt and Pepper: Brings out all the other flavors.
• Parsley (Chopped): For a fresh, bright finishing touch.
• Crushed Red Pepper (Optional): For a hint of heat if you like a little kick.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Add heavy cream to the skillet, stir in parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Toss in the Pasta

Add the drained rotini into the cheesy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if necessary.

Step 6: Slice and Return Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken and layer it over the cheesy pasta. Let it warm through for a few minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot.

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Serving and Storing Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy comfort dish feeds 4 people generously and works just as well for weeknight meals as it does for casual dinner parties.

Serving Tips:

Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and gooey. Use shallow bowls or wide plates to keep the pasta and chicken layered neatly. For extra presentation points, top with a little more grated parmesan and fresh parsley.

Want a little extra heat? Add a final dusting of crushed red pepper before serving.

Storing Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce before microwaving or reheating on the stove.
• Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the creamy sauce texture changing when thawed.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Balance the richness of this dish with fresh, vibrant sides or something crisp and crunchy.

1. Garlic Breadsticks

A must-have for sopping up all that creamy sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A chilled, crisp contrast to the hot, cheesy pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Simple and savory, it adds a veggie to the mix without overpowering.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic add brightness and freshness.

5. Grilled Zucchini

Light, tender, and charred just enough to be interesting.

6. Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted with a little crunch, they mirror the cheesy flavor while adding texture.

7. Lemonade or Sparkling Water

Keep the palate refreshed with a light, fizzy drink.

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Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Twisted Pasta with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll definitely want to explore these delicious options from the NoraNosh kitchen:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a beefy take on cheesy Alfredo comfort.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe if you want a creamy, dreamy, date-night-worthy meal.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for that perfect blend of pasta and bold flavor.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re craving seafood meets cheesy indulgence.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Steak Bites with Pasta for a meatier variation on this creamy classic.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this to your Pinterest dinner board for the next time you want a cozy, creamy pasta night with garlic and cheese front and center.

Tried it with rotini or used another pasta twist? Share your version in the comments! We love to see your spins on these recipes.

And for daily inspiration and fresh comfort food ideas, check out NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest.

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