🍗🧄 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

A rich and comforting dinner featuring juicy pan-seared chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, tossed with tender twisted pasta and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals!

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces (340 g) rotini, cavatappi, or fusilli (twisted pasta)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2. Cook the Chicken

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt the butter.
• Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
• Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.

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4. Add the Cheese

• Reduce the heat to low.
• Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
• Add the mozzarella and stir until fully melted.
• If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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5. Combine

• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
• Fold in half of the sliced chicken or place all of the chicken on top for serving.

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6. Serve

• Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed asparagus
• Sautéed green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

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💡 Tips

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work just as well.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
• For a smoky twist, stir in a few pieces of crispy chopped bacon.
• Want extra creaminess? Mix in 2 ounces of softened cream cheese before adding the Parmesan.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (the sauce may separate slightly when thawed).
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy again.

🍴 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 760
• Protein: 45 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 820 mg

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food dinner—tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cheese sauce that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.