If you’re craving a comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but whips up right at home, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new staple. Succulent pieces of chicken, tangled up with rotini pasta, get folded into a silky, garlic-scented Parmesan cream sauce—every forkful is pure indulgence. It’s the dish I pull out when I want to treat myself or wow family and friends, and the leftovers (if there are any) are just as dreamy the next day. Whether you’re a pasta fan, a garlic devotee, or someone who just loves rich, cozy flavors, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect bite. There are no fancy tricks here—just honest, quality items working together to elevate the flavor, texture, and alluring golden hue of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces, these turn tender and juicy when cooked right.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle, rich base for browning the chicken and deepening the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into a decadent foundation for the creamy garlic sauce, giving it a velvety finish.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced and sautéed to coax out their sweet, mellow notes for that signature garlicky aroma.
- Chicken broth: Brings depth to the sauce and helps simmer the pasta right in the skillet for unbeatable flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, spoon-coating sauce—you can use half-and-half for a lighter touch if you’d like.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh is best, melting smoothly into the sauce and packing umami punch.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that gives the dish herby warmth and a whiff of classic comfort.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, ensuring every ingredient shines without overpowering.
- Rotini pasta: Its spirals perfectly capture every drop of the creamy sauce—swap for penne or fusilli if you wish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled for a pop of color and freshness at the finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a generous pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This gives the meat a flavorful base that comes through in every bite. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Let it cook untouched for a couple of minutes to get a golden crust, then toss occasionally until the pieces are cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, scoop them out and set them aside to rest while you turn your attention to the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, drop the heat to medium. Melt the butter, swirling it around to pick up all those tasty browned bits left from the chicken. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible—stop as soon as the garlic turns fragrant so it doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any stuck-on flavors from the skillet, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture come up to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens—the liquids meld, creating the heart of that signature Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.
Step 4: Simmer with Pasta
Add the uncooked rotini directly into the sauce. Give it a good stir to ensure every spiral starts soaking up that creamy, garlicky goodness. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will soften and the sauce will thicken, transforming into a beautiful, hearty skillet meal.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Parmesan
Return the seared chicken (along with any juices) to the pan. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is creamy, melty, and well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with a handful of fresh parsley for a lively burst of green or leave it off for pure, comforting decadence.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Garnishes
To make each plate as enticing as the first whiff, sprinkle your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce generously with chopped fresh parsley. For extra visual flair and flavor, try adding a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a twist of black pepper right before serving. These finishing touches bring brightness and aroma to every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying all on its own, but it sure loves a partner on the plate. Serve it with a crisp, lemony green salad or steamed broccolini for balance. Warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the last of that creamy sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a single drop behind. If you want a little extra, roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with the garlicky cream flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress dinner guests, scoop the pasta into shallow bowls and top with extra chicken pieces and sauce for a restaurant-style look. For cozy nights in, serve straight from the skillet at the table family-style. Mini cast iron skillets or ramekins also make for charming individual servings at parties, making everyone feel special with their own portion of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, where it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen over time, making leftovers just as craveable!
Freezing
This creamy pasta can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce might change slightly after defrosting. If you want to freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently. For best results, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to help the sauce return to its glossy, silky self.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to dinner perfection, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving in short bursts also works, just stir between intervals and cover to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While rotini’s twists soak up the creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes might cook faster or slower.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will still be rich, but a bit less indulgent—with all the beloved flavor.
Is there a way to add vegetables?
Definitely! Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of simmering for added color, nutrition, and texture. The creamy sauce pairs well with just about any veggie.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! Cook the dish as usual, let it cool, and store covered in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth before serving for that freshly-made goodness. For the best presentation, garnish just before serving.
What’s the best Parmesan cheese to use?
Choose a high-quality block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for ultimate meltiness and flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch but might not give the sauce the same silky texture or robust taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe finds its way to your table and quickly becomes a weeknight staple or special occasion go-to. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce delivers pure comfort and plenty of wow factor without any fuss—so gather your loved ones and dig in, spoonful after luscious spoonful!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. This dish combines tender chicken bites, al dente rotini pasta, and a velvety Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked rotini to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use penne or fusilli instead of rotini.
- Enhance with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
