Amazing 35 Min Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Okay, let’s talk about the magic that is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. This dish isn’t just a recipe for me; it’s a culinary hug! I’m Anna, and honestly, my kitchen is my happy place. I’m all about finding those simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make weeknight dinners feel less like a chore and more like a little celebration. You know, the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours on it, but you actually whipped it up in a flash? That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is. I remember the first time I made it – I was trying to use up some odds and ends, and what came out was pure comfort food gold. It’s become my go-to when I need something delicious, satisfying, and ridiculously easy.

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

Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen and why I know you’ll adore it too:

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: You can have this incredible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta on the table in just about 35 minutes. Talk about a game-changer!
• Effortlessly Delicious: It’s so simple to make. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll nail this. The steps are straightforward, and the results are seriously impressive.
• Flavor Explosion: Get ready for a rich, decadent sauce that’s loaded with garlic and Parmesan. It coats every piece of pasta and chicken perfectly. Pure comfort food bliss!
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: This dish is a hit with everyone. It’s satisfying enough for a hearty dinner but also feels a little fancy. Kids love the cheesy pasta, and adults rave about the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Alright, let’s get our goodies together! For this fabulous dish, you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6-8 ounces each is perfect.
• 8 ounces of rotini pasta – those little twists grab onto the sauce like magic!
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced. The more garlic, the better, right?
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always best for meltiness!
• 1 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes it so wonderfully rich and creamy.
• 2 tablespoons of butter.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your taste. Don’t be shy!
• 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, for a little pop of green and freshness (totally optional, but pretty!).

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, let’s chat about these ingredients for our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. For the Parmesan cheese, I really, really prefer using freshly grated from a block. It melts so much smoother and tastes way better than the pre-shredded stuff, which can sometimes have anti-caking agents that mess with the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, pre-shredded will work, just be aware it might not be quite as silky smooth. For the heavy cream, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, you could try using half-and-half mixed with a tablespoon of butter, but it won’t be quite as luxuriously creamy. You could also use a dairy-free cream alternative, but the flavor and texture will change a bit. And for the pasta, while rotini is my favorite because of how it holds the sauce, any short, twisty pasta like fusilli or even penne will do the trick!

How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! Making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is pretty straightforward, and honestly, the steps themselves are part of the fun. Just follow along, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time!

Prepping the Chicken

First things first, let’s get our stars of the show ready – those chicken breasts. If there’s any extra fat on the sides, just trim it off. Then, give them a good pat dry with a paper towel. This is super important because it helps get that nice golden sear we’re going for. Now, season them generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and that teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Make sure you get it all over; that’s where all the flavor starts!

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

Grab your skillet and put it over medium-high heat. Add in your tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s nice and hot – you’ll see it shimmer a bit – carefully lay the seasoned chicken breasts in. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust. To make sure they’re cooked through, you can either use a meat thermometer (it should read 165°F or 74°C) or cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear. Once they’re done, take them out of the pan and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes. This keeps them super juicy!

Preparing the Cheesy Twisted Pasta

While the chicken is resting, let’s get that pasta going. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in your 8 ounces of rotini. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – you know, tender but still with a little bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta! Once it’s done, drain it really well. Now, here’s a little trick: toss the drained pasta with a tiny bit of butter. It adds a little extra richness and helps keep the pasta from clumping together while we make the sauce.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Back to that same skillet you used for the chicken – no need to wash it! Add your 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté this for just about 30 seconds until you can really smell that amazing garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Now, pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should start to thicken up a bit. Then, gradually stir in your cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and you have this wonderfully smooth, creamy, cheesy sauce. Oh, it smells incredible!

Bringing It All Together

Okay, time for the grand finale! Take your rested chicken and slice it into nice strips. Now, add your buttered pasta right into that glorious cheesy sauce in the skillet. Toss it all together until every single piece of pasta is coated in that yummy goodness. Spoon that cheesy pasta onto your plates, top it with those juicy chicken strips, and drizzle a little extra sauce over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on that fresh parsley!

Tips for Your Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Alright, let’s talk about making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta absolutely perfect every single time. A few little tricks can really elevate this dish. First off, when you’re searing the chicken, try not to overcrowd the pan. If you put too much chicken in at once, it’ll steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that gorgeous golden-brown crust we’re after. Cook it in batches if you need to, it’s worth the extra minute! Also, I can’t stress this enough: use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Seriously, the difference in how it melts and the flavor it adds is HUGE compared to the pre-shredded stuff. And don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking – everyone’s preference is a little different, and that’s totally okay. If you want the sauce a bit thicker, just let it simmer a touch longer. If it’s too thick, a tiny splash of water or even some of the pasta cooking water can loosen it up beautifully. These little things make all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Got questions about whipping up this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask:

Q1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic because its twists hold onto the sauce so well, feel free to use other short pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, farfalle (bow-ties), or even rigatoni will work beautifully. Just make sure to cook it al dente according to the package directions!

Q2. How can I make this sauce thicker or thinner? If your creamy garlic Parmesan sauce isn’t as thick as you like, just let it simmer gently uncovered for a few extra minutes. Stir it occasionally, and it will reduce and thicken up. If it gets too thick, no worries! You can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of milk, water, or even a little of the pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Honestly, while the flavors are amazing, the creamy sauce doesn’t always freeze and reheat perfectly. The dairy can sometimes separate, making the sauce a bit grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh! If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk or cream if needed to bring it back together.

Q4. Can I add vegetables to this dish? You bet! This is a great base for adding veggies. Sauté some broccoli florets, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the garlic before adding the cream. Just make sure they’re cooked to your liking before you toss everything together. It adds extra color and nutrients!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Got tasty leftovers of your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta? Lucky you! To keep it tasting its best, let the dish cool down a bit before storing. Then, pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay yummy in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. Just remember, the creamy sauce can sometimes get a little separated when it sits, but don’t fret!

When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat. Give it a good stir now and then. If the sauce looks a little too thick or separated, just stir in a tiny splash of milk, cream, or even a bit of water to bring it all back together. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through for more even heating and to help that sauce smooth out again. Avoid freezing this dish if you can, as the dairy in the sauce might not hold up perfectly.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional info for one serving of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Keep in mind these numbers can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use!

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	650
Sugar	4g
Sodium	700mg
Fat	40g
Saturated Fat	22g
Unsaturated Fat	18g
Trans Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Protein	30g
Cholesterol	150mg

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!

Print