Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Cheesy Twisted Pasta – A Weeknight Wonder in 30 Minutes!
Looking for a delicious, easy, and comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day?
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta is your new go-to!
It’s packed with juicy sautéed chicken, tender pasta spirals, and smothered in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce made with three kinds of cheese.
Perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want something rich, filling, and family-approved.
Ingredients (Measured in Cups)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups twisted pasta (fusilli, rotini, or your favorite)
- Salted water for boiling
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
How to Make It – Step by Step
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Flip halfway through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the heavy cream.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar (if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Serving Tips
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or thyme.
- Great with garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side. Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 4 people
Pro Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better in sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms in the last step for a veggie boost.
Why You’ll Love It
- Ultra-creamy and comforting
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Perfect for leftovers
- Family and kid-friendly
Bonus: Make It Healthier
- Use whole-wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for extra fiber.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream (add at the end, off the heat).
- Try grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist.