If you’re on the lookout for a comforting yet impressively delicious meal, the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and butter that delivers flavor in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or serving friends for a cozy gathering, this recipe offers a perfect balance of richness, heartiness, and a hint of spice that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a key role. From the buttery base that creates the sauce’s depth to the fresh garlic that adds a punch of aroma, every component combines to craft an irresistibly creamy and savory dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents the butter from burning and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender and protein-packed for the hearty part of the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Injects fragrant and savory notes that elevate the sauce.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds a mild, savory depth to the creamy base without overpowering it.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 1/2 cups): Provides the luscious creaminess essential to the sauce.
- Rotini pasta (8 oz, uncooked): Its spiral shape perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce for every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce and brings a salty, nutty richness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle blend of aromatic herbs that rounds out the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For just the right amount of warming heat, if you like a little spice.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A splash of color and fresh flavor to brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating your butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. While that warms up, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook it until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t rush this—the golden crust is where a lot of the flavor develops! Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same pan, add your minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen—be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can add bitterness. This flavorful step forms the fragrant foundation of your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce and Cook Pasta
Next, pour in your chicken broth along with the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Toss in the uncooked rotini and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Watch as the pasta absorbs the liquid and becomes tender while the creamy sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Once your pasta is perfectly tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce, creating a thick, velvety coating that clings to every spiral of rotini. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it all together so the meat soaks up the luscious sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
If you like a gentle kick, sprinkle in the optional crushed red pepper flakes now. A fresh handful of chopped parsley on top adds a lovely contrast in color and a pop of fresh flavor. And just like that, your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a huge difference. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and a touch of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. If you’re a fan of extra cheesiness, grated Parmesan on top is always a welcome finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta holds its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds dimension and balance. Think a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for a touch of earthiness and crunch alongside your creamy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this rotini in shallow bowls so the sauce pools beautifully around the pasta spirals. Try offering extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on the side, letting guests customize their bowls. For a cozy vibe, pair with a crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that decadent sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up more sauce overnight, so you may want to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to keep it silky.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes is a bit tricky because the texture can change, it’s still possible with care. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pasta slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible for a creamier, more consistent texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect because its spirals catch the sauce so well, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time to your pasta’s package instructions.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted cauliflower, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce remains the star and still delivers big flavor.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Using milk will make the sauce less rich and creamy. If you want to lighten the dish, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of butter to retain some lusciousness without the full creaminess.
How do I make the recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance or add a dash of hot sauce when you stir in the sauce. Freshly cracked black pepper can also amp up the subtle heat.
What can I add to include more vegetables?
Great question! Stirring in baby spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking adds freshness, color, and nutrition without compromising that silky creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It comes together quickly, requires simple ingredients, and is downright delicious, making it a go-to for busy nights or casual entertaining. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe collection—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken pieces are sautéed to golden perfection then simmered with rotini pasta in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. The dish balances comforting creaminess with the subtle heat of crushed red pepper flakes and the fresh brightness of parsley garnish for an irresistible dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 oz rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked 8 oz rotini pasta and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini.
Notes
- For added nutrition and color, stir in baby spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time; simply add it in step 5 to heat through.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste or omit for no heat.
