If you have been dreaming of a comforting, indulgent meal that blends tender chicken with irresistibly creamy pasta, then you are in for a treat with this armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and tossed with twisted pasta cloaked in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce bursting with cheesy goodness. Every bite is a celebration of flavor, texture, and heartwarming comfort—perfect for cozy dinners that feel like a warm hug from your favorite foodie friend.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic of armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the seasoning that wakes up the chicken to the cheeses that melt into a dreamy sauce.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides juicy, protein-packed bites that soak up flavor beautifully.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness while aiding the perfect sear on the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory depth and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky warmth that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild, aromatic underpinning to the seasoning mix.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce to taste.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing): Creates a rich base for the chicken’s golden crust.
12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta: The twisted shapes hold onto every drop of sauce, making each forkful heavenly.
Water for boiling: The essential medium to cook pasta perfectly al dente.
Salt (for pasta water): Seasons the pasta internally, boosting overall flavor.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Forms the foundation of the creamy sauce’s roux.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infused into the sauce for bright, pungent notes.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection without lumps.
2 cups heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety body that clings to the pasta.
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness that defines the sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy bliss that complements the parmesan.
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Infuses classic Mediterranean flavors into the dish.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a touch of heat.
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish): Brings vibrant color and fresh flavor to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden crust that locks in the juices. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest so it stays tender and juicy.

Step 2: Cook the Twisted Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skip this part because the salty water seasons the pasta from within. Add your rotini or fusilli and cook until it is al dente, which means it still has a satisfying bite. Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water; this starchy liquid is a little secret weapon for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown! Next, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux; this will thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop silky richness.

Step 4: Add Cheeses and Seasonings

Stir in the grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring steadily until melted and fully combined. Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs and, if you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is the soul of your armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta, so give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as you like!

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss gently to coat each twist in creamy, cheesy goodness. If the sauce feels a little thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency that clings beautifully without being runny.

Step 6: Slice Chicken and Assemble

Slice the rested chicken breasts into tender strips and layer them on top of the coated pasta. This final touch lets you enjoy each forkful with a perfect combo of meat and cheesy pasta.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan. If you like a little zing, add some more red pepper flakes. Serve it warm, and get ready for compliments at the dinner table!

How to Serve armesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a lively pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the rich creaminess perfectly. For that extra dash of indulgence, don’t shy away from sprinkling more parmesan right before serving. If you love a touch of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes makes an excellent finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs gloriously with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a bit of crunch, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are lovely additions. Crusty garlic bread is another fabulous choice to scoop up any extra creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase that swirl of cheesy sauce and tender chicken slices artfully on top. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika for a restaurant-quality look. You could also portion it into individual ramekins and broil briefly with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making reheated portions just as delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, though for best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separate from the chicken if possible. Pack them in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring often to avoid drying out. Add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce and bring back that luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! While twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli is ideal since it catches the sauce well, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just cook to al dente for best texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. Using chicken breast keeps it lean, and adding lots of fresh herbs maximizes flavor without extra calories.

Can I prepare parts of armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and keep them refrigerated separately. Prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best texture. Just reheat and assemble before eating.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries! You can replace smoked paprika with regular paprika or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a different spicy note. The smoky flavor adds depth but isn’t absolutely required.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the creamy sauce without overpowering it. If you prefer mild dishes, simply omit them or add just a pinch to start.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing this armeSan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta feels like giving yourself a big, delicious hug at the end of a long day. It’s a dish that invites you to savor every creamy, cheesy bite balanced with perfectly seasoned chicken. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly it becomes one of your all-time favorites to both cook and eat. Warm, flavorful, and thoroughly satisfying—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Cheesy Twisted Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken paired with cheesy twisted pasta, perfect for a hearty dinner. This dish features tender seared chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, served over fusilli pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce made with parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, enhanced with Italian herbs and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest to retain juices.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest.
Make the Garlic Base: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Create the Roux and Add Cream: Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in 2 cups heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
Simmer and Add Cheese: Allow the cream sauce to simmer and thicken for 3–4 minutes. Stir in grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until cheeses melt.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
Slice and Plate the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the cheesy pasta.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish along with extra parmesan cheese and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Reserve pasta water carefully as its starchiness helps achieve a silky sauce consistency.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
You can swap rotini/fusilli pasta with penne or farfalle based on your preference.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 560 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 21 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, parmesan chicken, cheesy pasta recipe, twisted pasta recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy pasta sauce