If you’re craving a dish that brings together creamy, cheesy comfort with tender, flavorful chicken, look no further than this armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta. It’s a soul-satisfying meal that transforms simple pantry staples into a luscious, crowd-pleasing feast. The blend of garlic, Parmesan, and melty cheeses coats every twirl of rotini pasta while juicy, spiced chicken breasts add the perfect savory balance. Once you’ve made this at home, it’s sure to become your go-to for cozy dinners and hungry weeknights alike.

armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta lies in its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients, each playing an essential role in building layers of rich flavor and delightful textures. From the aromatic garlic to the creamy cheeses, every component is crucial for that perfect harmony.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender when seared just right.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For a crisp, flavorful sear on the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a subtle smoky warmth.
0.5 teaspoon onion powder: Builds on the savory foundation of the seasoning blend.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, essential for enhancing all flavors.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing): Adds richness and helps the chicken develop a golden crust.
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta: Twisted shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Water and salt for boiling pasta: Properly salted water ensures perfectly seasoned pasta.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For the sauce base, adding silky richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic creates an aromatic punch in the sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To create a roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
2 cups heavy cream: Provides the luscious, creamy texture that clings to every pasta twist.
0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The umami-packed heart of the cheesy sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly to add gooey goodness.
0.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A fragrant herb blend that rounds out the flavors.
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that livens up the dish.
Fresh chopped parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to ensure a nice sear. Then, generously season each side with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest so the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 2: Cook the Twisted Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting the water well seasons the pasta from within. Add your rotini or fusilli and cook until al dente, so it holds shape and texture against the creamy sauce. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water, which will help you adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, careful not to brown it. Whisk in the flour steadily to create a roux, which is the magic thickening base for your sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking away any lumps, then let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. This combination creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce; Plate with Chicken

Gently fold the al dente pasta into your creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if you want to loosen it up for even better coating. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pasta. This way, each bite delivers a perfect mix of creamy, cheesy pasta and savory chicken.

How to Serve armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley scattered over the top adds a vibrant, herby brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your taste.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh parsley and a parmesan curl for a classy touch. Alternatively, bake the assembled pasta under extra cheese until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can safely refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. To maintain the creamy texture, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing and expect the sauce to thicken upon thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk as needed to bring back the saucy smoothness. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through heating to keep the cheese from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, but just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even crispy tofu, and the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.

How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?

Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that you can easily adjust or omit if you prefer a milder dish.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Twisted shapes like rotini or fusilli are fantastic because their grooves hold onto the creamy sauce, but farfalle or penne will also work well.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with perfectly seasoned chicken is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is destined to become a beloved favorite. So grab your ingredients, turn up the music, and get ready for some seriously delicious pasta magic!

armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A rich and creamy garlic Parmesan chicken paired with cheesy twisted pasta, perfect for a comforting dinner. This dish features tender seared chicken breasts, a luscious garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Instructions

Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then evenly season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest to retain its juices.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
Make Roux and Add Cream: Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce base.
Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens. Then stir in the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed for a creamy texture.
Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy serving and place them over the creamy pasta.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the dish warm for the best experience.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your preference.
To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a slightly less creamy texture.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Searing, Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American