There’s something magical about a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that just hits the spot every time. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is one of those comforting, soul-warming meals that feel like a hug in a bowl. With juicy, seasoned chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy parmesan sauce, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight out of a fine dining restaurant.
Trust me, you’re going to love this. The blend of garlic butter and parmesan creates an irresistibly velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for you? Let’s see. This dish is…
- Rich and indulgent – Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky in the best way possible.
- Quick and easy – Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
- Packed with flavor – A perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness with hints of spice.
- Versatile – Can be customized with veggies or protein swaps.
- A crowd-pleaser – Whether for family dinners or special occasions, it’s always a hit!
Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Here’s what makes this dish so delicious:
Rotini Pasta: A fantastic choice for holding onto that creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Chicken Breast (or Thighs): The protein hero of the dish! Juicy, tender, and seasoned to perfection.
Butter & Olive Oil: A dynamic duo that creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
Garlic: The key ingredient that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Adds a boost of savory goodness to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: The star of the sauce, bringing nutty, salty, cheesy goodness.
Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of flavor and heat.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that ties everything together beautifully.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions:
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, then transfer to a plate.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan for extra flavor. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the sauce.
Finishing Touches: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley. Give everything a final toss and let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors together.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate up this creamy, dreamy pasta and dig in while it’s warm and delicious!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce?
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy parmesan sauce. Try garlic bread or a warm baguette.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus add a vibrant touch and extra nutrients.
- As a Standalone: This dish is hearty enough on its own—just garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a final flourish!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping the chicken and mincing the garlic in advance.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes if you love a little extra heat.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make extra and freeze portions for easy future meals.
Tips & Variations
- Want extra creaminess? Stir in a bit of cream cheese or an extra handful of Parmesan.
- Love veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
- Prefer a different protein? Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a tasty twist.
There you have it—Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of irresistible flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well and let it heat through, but do not boil.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or more chicken broth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until fully coated in the creamy parmesan sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
