This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Alfredo is nothing short of heavenly—a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with succulent pieces of seasoned chicken. The twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) holds the rich, velvety sauce perfectly, making every bite more delicious than the last. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, creamy sauces, and a comforting meal that’s sure to impress, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Flavor-packed: Garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella come together to create a sauce that coats every inch of pasta and chicken.
Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Cheesy Goodness: The mix of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a luscious, rich sauce that’s undeniably indulgent.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or guests, this dish will be a hit with anyone who loves a creamy pasta dish with a bit of a savory kick from the garlic and chicken.
🥣 A Brief History of Alfredo and Garlic Parmesan Flavors
The classic Alfredo sauce dates back to the early 1900s and was first created in Rome by a man named Alfredo di Lelio. Initially, Alfredo’s version of pasta was simply fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan, and it was designed to be a comfort food for his wife who had recently given birth. Over the years, the sauce evolved into the creamy version we know and love today, with cream and butter creating the rich, velvety base.
The addition of garlic and Parmesan to the pasta dish is a twist that is loved across Italy and the U.S., making garlic Parmesan chicken a favorite for pasta dishes, pizza toppings, and more. The creamy, cheesy combination we’re using today builds off these traditional flavors while bringing something new with the addition of cream cheese and a cheesy, garlicky sauce.
As for twisted pasta, varieties like rotini and fusilli are designed with grooves and twists that catch sauces perfectly, making them ideal for creamy pasta dishes like this one.
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Chicken:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
6 tbsp butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth
2¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup cream cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Pasta:
18 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or another favorite pasta)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water (this will help loosen the sauce if needed later). Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley.
Sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
🍴 Methods & Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Chicken Choice: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
Cheese Variations: While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic, you can also try adding gruyère or fontina for a different cheesy flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: You can easily toss in some spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté the veggies before adding the garlic, or toss them in with the pasta.
Make It Spicy: If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a little cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Leftovers: This dish makes amazing leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a little splash of cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
❤️ Why People Love It (“Lovers”)
1. Rich & Creamy Comfort
The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a super creamy sauce that sticks to the pasta and the chicken, giving you a rich and indulgent bite every time.
2. Cheese Lovers’ Dream
If you love cheese, this dish is made for you! The three cheeses create layers of creamy, cheesy goodness in every forkful.
3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The garlic gives it a savory, aromatic depth, while the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add a hint of warmth and spice. It’s perfectly balanced—savory, rich, and just the right amount of heat.
4. Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes with only 10 minutes of prep time, making it a weeknight winner for busy families. It’s also fancy enough for a dinner party or special occasion.
5. Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s for a family dinner, date night, or a gathering with friends, this dish will be a hit. It’s indulgent and satisfying, with flavors that are universally loved.
🏁 Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta Alfredo is an absolute showstopper of a dish. With a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s packed with flavor and tender chicken strips, it’s the kind of comfort food that makes everyone at the table happy. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a casual gathering, it’s sure to impress.
The best part? It’s easy to make, delicious, and completely customizable, allowing you to add your own twist with veggies, extra seasonings, or even a different type of cheese. If you’re a fan of cheesy, creamy pasta, this one’s a keeper for your recipe rotation.
Let me know if you’d like more creamy pasta ideas, chicken recipes, or cheese-filled dishes! 😊🍝🍗
