If you’re craving comfort food that feels a little fancy but is secretly so easy to pull off on a weeknight, you’re going to fall in love with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. Imagine tender bites of chicken, swirly rotini noodles, and a dreamy, cheesy sauce bursting with the flavors of garlic, butter, and a blanket of Parmesan. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe! It brings together all the best elements of home-cooked pasta: silky sauce, satisfying texture, and the kind of restaurant quality taste that makes you wonder why you ever order out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how it transforms simple, familiar ingredients into a seriously impressive dish. Each component has a special role to play—some add creaminess, others a pop of color or flavor—so don’t skip any!
- Rotini Pasta (12 ounces): These corkscrew noodles perfectly trap every bit of the creamy sauce, making every bite fabulous.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 1/2 pounds, cut into bite-size pieces): Lean, hearty, and protein-packed—they’ll soak up all the bold flavors.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps get that golden sear on the chicken and gives richness to the dish.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds luscious body to the sauce and brings a warm, savory backbone throughout.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Bright, bold, and absolutely essential in creating the signature flavor for this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers subtle depth and a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right spicy kick.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A ready-made flavor booster with oregano, basil, and thyme—no extra measuring required!
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Responsible for thickening your sauce so it perfectly coats every noodle.
- Chicken Broth (1 1/2 cups): Infuses the sauce with even more tasty depth—low sodium is best if you can find it.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The secret to that velvety, luxurious sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Salty, nutty, and melts perfectly into the sauce for that classic Italian finish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Helps make the sauce extra gooey and irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A bright, fresh touch that takes this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to the next level just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Start by cooking your rotini pasta in well-salted boiling water until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite but not crunchy. Be careful not to overcook—the pasta will soak up more of the creamy sauce later and you want it to hold its signature shape. Once done, drain and set aside, keeping a tiny splash of the cooking water if you’d like your sauce a touch looser at the end.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta works its magic, toss your chicken pieces in a blend of paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This easy seasoning mix ensures every bite of chicken in your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is bursting with flavor, even before it meets the sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and just one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken and let the pieces sear undisturbed for a minute or two, then stir occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. This step not only cooks the chicken but helps lock in all those tasty juices. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium, then melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those browned bits are gold!). Toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, whisking or stirring constantly, until the mixture looks smooth, golden, and just begins to smell a little nutty.
Step 5: Add Liquids & Cheese
Very slowly, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking as you go to avoid any lumps in your sauce. Simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and the sauce is luxuriously silky. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Finish and Combine
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with any juices. Next, tip in your cooked rotini and gently toss everything together to coat every piece in that luscious, cheesy sauce. If you held back a splash of pasta water, now’s the time to use it if you want to loosen things up. Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference. Pile your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce into bowls, then scatter extra fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. For a little zing, try a squeeze of fresh lemon or a pinch of cracked black pepper—these touches make the dish look irresistible and wake up all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta is the star, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. Try a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted broccoli for some color and crunch. And of course, a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is always welcome to mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can plate your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce in shallow pasta bowls for a classic look, or try serving it family-style on a big platter. For fun, scoop it into mini ramekins for an appetizer-sized starter at your next dinner party. A final sprinkle of chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil can make your presentation feel restaurant-worthy in seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce left, don’t worry—this pasta reheats like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then spoon portions into freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers. Press out as much air as possible and use within 2 months for best flavor. Note that the sauce may thicken up, but it’s easy to reheat to creamy perfection!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often until heated through. You can also reheat portions in the microwave, again adding a touch of liquid and stirring halfway through for even creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While rotini does an amazing job at holding onto that creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would all work well. Just pick a shape with some ridges or curves to maximize sauciness.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! It’s family-friendly with just a gentle zing from black pepper and paprika. If you love more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or serve with chili oil on the side.
What can I do to lighten up the sauce?
If you’d like a lighter take on Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, swap half-and-half for heavy cream, or use whole milk—just know the sauce will be a little less thick and rich but still delicious!
How can I add more veggies?
Great question! You can stir in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce step—these extras bring color, flavor, and more nutrition to every bite.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Definitely! Chop the chicken, grate the cheese, and even cook the pasta a few hours in advance. Keep each part refrigerated until you’re ready to start combining everything in the skillet for a speedy dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s sure to impress without hours in the kitchen, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the answer. Every twirl is full of rich, savory flavor, and it just feels so special—whether it’s a Tuesday night or a dinner with friends. I hope you give this recipe a spot in your regular rotation and enjoy every single bite! Let me know how your twist on Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce turns out.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini pasta dish smothered in a luscious Parmesan sauce. A comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Rotini Pasta:
12 ounces rotini pasta
Chicken:
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Seasoning:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce:
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Boil rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken and cook in olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add remaining butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and cheeses until creamy.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked rotini, and toss until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
