What makes this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta so rich?

The richness comes from a few key factors working together: Heavy cream adds that luscious, full-bodied texture The three-cheese blend (parmesan, cream cheese, mozzarella) delivers salty, stretchy, and creamy dimensions Twisted pasta traps sauce, making every bite feel indulgent Butter and garlic at the base add depth and aroma

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes! This pasta reheats well and can be prepared a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip for reheating : Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water before reheating to loosen the sauce Reheat gently over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the emulsion If you're making it for a dinner party, you can prepare the pasta and chicken earlier in the day and assemble right before serving.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but there’s a trade-off. While pre-cooked chicken saves time, it doesn’t absorb sauce or sear flavor the way freshly sliced, cooked chicken breast does. If you do use it: Go with shredded rotisserie or grilled chicken Let it simmer a bit longer in the sauce so it soaks up flavor Taste and adjust seasoning, since cooked chicken might need more help to shine It’s a shortcut that works in a pinch, especially for busy weeknights.

How can I make this healthier?

You can still enjoy a lighter version of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta recipe with just a few thoughtful substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk Use part-skim mozzarella or light cream cheese Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers Choose a whole grain or chickpea-based pasta for extra fiber Keep in mind, you may need to adjust sauce thickness if using lower-fat dairy.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is an irresistible comfort food combo featuring juicy seared chicken breasts, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and al dente twisted pasta tossed in melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect weeknight dinner idea for cheese lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook twisted pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream and stir until it starts to simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar and let melt through the sauce.
Slice the rested chicken and serve over or alongside the cheesy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
Swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use cream cheese for added richness.
Try with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon for fun variations.
Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 130mg