Alright, let’s talk comfort food—with a creamy, garlicky, buttery twist. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The tender chicken, the buttery richness, the dreamy Parmesan sauce… and oh, that rotini? It soaks up every drop like it was born for this moment. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive in fork-first.
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or you’re cooking for someone special (even if that someone is you), this recipe hits the spot every single time. Simple enough for beginners, flavorful enough for foodies—it’s basically your new go-to dish.
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. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: It’s perfect on its own, but also pairs well with veggies, salads, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Budget-Friendly: You likely have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen. It’s a fancy-tasting meal without the fancy price tag.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this beauty comes together in under an hour—no stress, all flavor.
Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp or add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Here’s the magic of this creamy dream—it’s all about rich, simple ingredients that turn into something unforgettable. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts
The star protein of the dish. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts bring in that golden crust and soak up all that garlic butter goodness.
Rotini Pasta
Rotini’s spiral shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every single bite. It’s all about that texture and sauce cling!
Butter
Melted butter is the secret to a silky base—it adds richness and that cozy, comforting depth we crave.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives this dish its signature bold flavor and aroma. It’s the heart and soul of the sauce.
Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce so creamy and luxurious. It wraps around every bite like a soft blanket.
Parmesan Cheese
The salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan melts perfectly into the sauce, creating that cheesy, velvety finish we love.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs that enhances every layer of flavor, making each forkful taste like it came straight from a trattoria.
Olive Oil
Used to sear the chicken and give it that beautiful, golden exterior.
(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:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat. A hot skillet ensures that beautiful golden sear on your chicken.
Season and Sear the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Sear them in olive oil until golden brown on both sides. Once cooked through, set aside and slice.
Boil the Rotini: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant (just a minute or two—you don’t want to burn it!).
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken and cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the chicken is nestled into the sauce.
Simmer and Serve: Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld. Turn off heat, garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~620
(Note: Approximate values)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
– Garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up the sauce
– Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes
– A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Don’t overcook the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
– Want more veggies? Stir in spinach or mushrooms with the cream.
– For extra protein, add crispy bacon bits or shrimp.
– Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work beautifully in this dish.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but it won’t be as rich or creamy. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.
3. What can I substitute for Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be great alternatives if you want a slightly different cheesy twist.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using GF pasta and checking your seasoning blends.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and rotini separately and make the sauce fresh.
7. Can I make it spicy?
Totally! Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat.
8. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary—or whatever herbs you have on hand.
9. How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chickpeas instead.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the sauce and pasta separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently and mix together just before serving.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, your new favorite comfort food hero. It’s rich, creamy, bursting with flavor, and honestly… kind of addictive. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a cozy solo night in, this recipe delivers the kind of joy that only a bowl of pasta can. So grab that skillet and get cooking—because trust me, you’re going to love this one.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in Parmesan sauce is the perfect comfort food. Tender chicken and pasta are smothered in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
7. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, along with the cooked rotini pasta. Stir to combine.
8. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully coat the chicken and pasta.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
– For an extra creamy sauce, add more Parmesan cheese.
– You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but rotini works well to hold the sauce.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg