Introduction

If you love rich, creamy, and comforting meals, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect dish for you! It’s packed with tender, juicy chicken cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together, making this a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner, a special date night, or even a meal prep option for the week. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe is easy to follow and will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

Parmesan Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano

Rotini Pasta

12 ounces rotini pasta
4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Preparing the Chicken

Season the Chicken – Sprinkle the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat all sides evenly for maximum flavor.
Heat the Pan – In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken – Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove & Rest – Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

2: Cooking the Rotini Pasta

Boil Water – Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a large pot.
Cook the Pasta – Add rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
Drain & Set Aside – Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.

3: Making the Parmesan Sauce

Melt the Butter – Using the same pan from the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Sauté the Garlic – Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Cream – Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
Incorporate the Parmesan – Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to ensure a smooth consistency.
Season the Sauce – Add salt, black pepper, paprika (if using), garlic powder, and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

4: Bringing It All Together

Combine the Pasta – Add the cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Slice the Chicken – Cut the rested chicken into thin slices.
Assemble the Dish – Place the sliced chicken on top of the creamy pasta and mix gently.
Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

Use fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor.
Adjust the sauce consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook the rotini until al dente to prevent a mushy texture.

Variations & Customizations

Adding Vegetables

Spinach – Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
Mushrooms – Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for a deeper flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes – Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness.

Making It Spicy

Red Pepper Flakes – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Cajun Seasoning – A teaspoon of Cajun spice can give the dish a bold kick.

Using Different Proteins

Shrimp – Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Turkey – Lean turkey is a healthy alternative to chicken.
Tofu – For a vegetarian option, use crispy tofu instead of meat.

What to Serve With This Dish

Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Green Salad – A fresh salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a nutritious side.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy. You can mix milk with a little butter to create a richer consistency.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rotini or any other gluten-free pasta option available.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the components separately and combine them when reheating for the best texture.

4. What’s the best way to reheat the pasta?

Reheat in a pan over low heat with a little milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy Parmesan pasta creates an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner with family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a surefire way to impress.

Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy garlic butter chicken with rotini pasta in a flavorful Parmesan sauce. Quick, easy, and perfect for a comforting meal!

Ingredients

Chicken: 2 large breasts, seasoned
Rotini Pasta: 12 oz
Butter: 4 tbsp (divided)
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Season and sear chicken in butter and olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Cook Pasta: Boil rotini until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Simmer until thick.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, slice chicken, and mix everything together.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

Use fresh Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water or milk.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Parmesan pasta, creamy rotini, easy dinner, chicken pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food, homemade pasta dish