Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Few things in life bring the same comfort as a creamy pasta dish made from scratch. Picture this: tender chicken seared in golden garlic butter, a silky Parmesan cream sauce clinging to every curve of perfectly cooked rotini, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten it all up. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce a recipe that feels indulgent, yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight.

This dish is a marriage of flavors that never fail: garlic, butter, cream, and cheese. It’s a pasta recipe that can go from casual family dinner to a date-night centerpiece without missing a beat. Think of it as comfort food with a touch of elegance rich and satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to pull together in under an hour.

Whether you’re craving something cozy, looking for a pasta recipe that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant, or simply want a meal that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds, this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed – Buttery garlic, tender chicken, and Parmesan cream sauce make every bite irresistible.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will clean their plates.
• Restaurant Quality at Home – Creamy, cheesy, and comforting without the hefty bill.
• One-Pan Friendly – With rotini and sauce cooking in one pot, cleanup is minimal.
• Customizable – Add vegetables, swap pasta, or spice it up to fit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 4 generous servings.

Protein & Base

• 2 large chicken breasts – Sliced into strips or cubes for quick cooking and tender bites.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken.
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided) – Rich flavor and the foundation of the sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – The heart of the dish; aromatic and savory.

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 ounces rotini pasta – The spirals hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Adds savory depth and thins the sauce just enough.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The base of the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for nutty, cheesy richness.

Seasoning & Garnish

• Salt, to taste – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Black pepper, to taste – A subtle bite to balance the richness.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – A fresh finish and a pop of color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan (for cooking chicken and sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife & chopping board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Colander (to drain pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
3. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing into strips or cubes.

3. Build the Garlic Butter Base

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

4. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low.
3. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Combine Pasta & Chicken

1. Add the drained rotini to the skillet, tossing until well-coated in sauce.
2. Return sliced chicken to the pan and stir gently.
3. If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

6. Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
2. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Add Vegetables – Toss in spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrients.
• Make It Spicy – Add red chili flakes or use Cajun seasoning for a kick.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free rotini.
• Cheese Swap – Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Lighter Version – Substitute half-and-half for cream and use less butter.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste & Texture – Creamy, garlicky, buttery, and cheesy, with juicy chicken and perfectly sauced pasta.
• Wine Pairing – Try a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
• Non-Alcoholic Option – Sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea.
• Side Dishes – Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus pair perfectly.

Nutritional Overview (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~680
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g

This is a protein-rich, indulgent pasta dish, but it can be lightened up with leaner dairy and whole wheat or legume-based pasta.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook Chicken Ahead – Chicken can be seared, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Sauce Storage – Parmesan cream sauce keeps well for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
• Freezing – Freeze chicken separately; creamy sauces tend to split after thawing.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Penne, farfalle, or fettuccine work just as well.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
A: Freshly grated melts much better. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
A: Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or stir in more Parmesan.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Warm on low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time Required
Prep Ingredients	10 minutes
Cook Pasta	10 minutes
Sear Chicken	15 minutes
Make Sauce	10 minutes
Combine & Finish	5 minutes
Total Time	~50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep pasta bowls with extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley.
• For family-style dining, place pasta in a large serving dish with garlic bread on the side.
• For date night, pair with wine and a light salad for an elegant touch.

Recipe Variations

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Rotini – Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini – Add Cajun spices for a spicy, smoky flavor.
• Rotini Alfredo Bake – Transfer pasta to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic

Garlic is the flavor hero of this dish. For best results, use fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced jars. Store garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place (not the fridge). To mellow garlic flavor, sauté until just fragrant—overcooking makes it bitter.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pound Chicken Evenly – Ensures even cooking and tender bites.
• Don’t Burn Garlic – Sauté only until fragrant, or it turns bitter.
• Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts smoothly and gives the sauce its silky finish.
• Reserve Pasta Water – The starchy liquid helps bind the sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – Freeze chicken separately, and make sauce fresh when reheating.
• Reheating – Gently warm on the stove with extra broth or cream to prevent separating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	680
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	35g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free adaptable, can be made dairy-free with substitutions.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food pasta. It’s rich and indulgent, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight. With juicy chicken, perfectly twirled rotini, and a sauce that’s equal parts creamy, garlicky, and cheesy, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving.

Whether you’re serving it to family, making it for a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Grab a fork, twirl up that pasta, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky, buttery bite.

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