Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is your answer, delivering a Comforting Pasta Dish that’s rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Tender seared chicken, al dente rotini, and a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce come together in one pan for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s become my go-to when I want something indulgent yet simple!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce shines as a Comforting Pasta Dish:
- Rich & Silky: Garlic butter and parmesan create an irresistible sauce.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor.
I served this at a family dinner, and everyone scraped their plates clean, asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce (serves 4):
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
Ingredient Tips:
- Chicken: Breasts for lean protein; thighs for juicier texture.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated for smooth melting; avoid pre-grated for best results.
- Heavy Cream: Full-fat for richness; don’t substitute with milk unless thickening.
- Rotini: Spiral shape holds sauce well; rinse lightly to prevent sticking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for bold flavor; jarred works in a pinch.
Directions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Let’s create this delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce!
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, I cook 8 oz rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- I drain and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.
- I season 1 lb chicken pieces with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper, then add to the skillet.
- I cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. I transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, I melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- I add 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I pour in ¾ cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- I stir in 1 cup heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer, then add ¾ cup grated parmesan, whisking until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
Combine and Serve
- I return the chicken to the skillet, simmering for 2–3 minutes to coat in the sauce.
- I add the cooked rotini, tossing gently to combine.
- I garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately, with extra parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 35g protein, 35g fat, 2g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce:
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach or broccoli for a nutritious Comforting Pasta Dish.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery Comforting Pasta Dish.
- Cheesy Bliss: Mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Low-Carb: Swap rotini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini or penne.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Nacho Egg Rolls for a fun appetizer-main combo.
- Serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad to complement the Comforting Pasta Dish flavors.
- Offer with a crisp white wine for an elegant touch.
Storage
I store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve its creamy texture. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often to prevent sauce separation. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may curdle upon thawing.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well with this creamy sauce.
Is it okay to use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For best results, stick with heavy cream or add a thickener if using milk.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare and refrigerate it, then reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat this without drying it out?
Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating and warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.
Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami and texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite among kids.
Can I make it in one pot?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce in one pan and stir in the pasta once it’s cooked separately.
What kind of parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture compared to pre-grated versions.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce the cooking time and add the pre-cooked chicken when simmering the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and avoid boiling once the cream is added. Stir frequently and don’t overheat.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Chicken Rollatini
- Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Bang Bang Chicken Bowls
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, comforting dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. With tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a velvety parmesan sauce, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a family dinner or a special meal at home, it’s sure to impress with every creamy bite.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 10 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add cooked rotini, and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 more minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use penne or fusilli instead of rotini.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
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