If you’re craving a dish that wraps comfort, elegance, and a burst of flavor all in one bite, you’re going to adore this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe. It’s a heavenly blend of tender, juicy chicken nestled in a luscious, silky Parmesan sauce, combined with perfectly cooked twisted pasta that captures every bit of that cheesy goodness. Each forkful brings a delicious harmony of creamy richness, fresh garlic punch, and vibrant spinach, making it a truly irresistible meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe come alive. Each component plays an essential role, from building layers of flavor to adding texture and color that make this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for juicy and tender meat that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Twisted pasta (fusilli or cavatappi): The spirals are perfect for trapping the luscious sauce in every twist and turn.
- Heavy cream: Adds the silky richness that transforms this dish into a creamy delight.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor that is the heart and soul of the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory aroma and depth of flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh, mild earthiness, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and enhances the chicken’s natural flavor without overpowering.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, seasoning both the chicken and the pasta perfectly.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle spicy note to round out the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully and forms the base for sautéing garlic.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt at this stage is crucial since it seasons the pasta from the inside as it cooks. Toss in your twisted pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta but remember to save a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s magic for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper to boost their natural flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the chicken, cooking each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and fully cooked. Removing the chicken and letting it rest keeps it juicy and tender, ready to be sliced and meld with the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (to capture those delicious browned bits), add a splash more olive oil if needed and reduce heat to medium. Sauté freshly minced garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—this is the moment when the kitchen will start smelling unbelievable. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring them together and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Toss in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts fully, thickening the sauce to velvety perfection. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly mix in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up without losing flavor.
Step 4: Add Fresh Spinach and Combine
Stir in fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt softly into the warm sauce for about 2 to 3 minutes. This not only adds wonderful color but also provides a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken is lovingly coated in that irresistible garlic Parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish with Love
Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and cheesy twisted pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you have them on hand. These final touches add a bright, fresh finish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil add a beautiful pop of color and a refreshing, herbal aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top will melt slightly on the warm pasta, giving you an extra hit of cheesy goodness with every bite.
Side Dishes
The richness of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, light sides. Think along the lines of a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts to balance the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more dramatic presentation, serve the dish in individual shallow bowls with a twirl of pasta stacked high and the chicken slices artfully fanned out beside it. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top and finish with a edible flower or microgreens for a special occasion vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce to maintain the texture and quality. Freeze in portion-size containers or freezer bags, and use within 2 months for the best taste.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the sauce from separating or the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While twisted pasta like fusilli or cavatappi works best to hold the creamy sauce, penne, rotini, or even farfalle can substitute nicely without losing any of the dish’s charm.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different.
How can I tell when the chicken breasts are fully cooked?
Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part and ensure the meat is opaque with no pink inside and that juices run clear.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and slice the chicken and even prepare the pasta in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately and combine them with the sauce just before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
Try sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little heat, or stir in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s genuinely something comforting and special about diving into a plate of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe. Its rich, garlicky sauce wrapped around tender chicken and playful pasta shapes makes for a meal that feels both indulgent and homey. I can’t wait for you to try making this recipe yourself—you’ll find it quickly becomes a treasured go-to that gets requests at every family dinner or casual get-together.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken paired with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for a family dinner. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are sautéed to golden perfection, then combined with a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that coats perfectly cooked twisted pasta and fresh spinach. This dish melds creamy, cheesy flavors with a touch of fresh spinach for balance, creating a hearty yet elegant plate in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or cavatappi)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Salt, for pasta water
Sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and allow to rest before slicing into strips.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender, incorporating it into the creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken alongside the cheesy twisted pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt levels in the dish.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, but the sauce may be less thick and rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese, enhancing the sauce texture.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish adds a burst of freshness.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully; its starch content helps in thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
