When life gets busy, there’s nothing more comforting than a creamy pasta dish that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. That’s exactly what Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce offersa decadent, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones. I remember making this dish one evening when I was craving something creamy, flavorful, and quick to prepare. After a long day, I wanted something that would make me feel cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish became an instant favorite in my household because it checks all the boxes: juicy chicken, tender rotini, and a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce that coats everything in a luscious embrace. The garlic butter sauce adds an irresistible depth of flavor that complements the chicken and pasta so beautifully, while the Parmesan and mozzarella give it that perfect cheesy finish. It’s the kind of meal that everyone young and old can enjoy, and I guarantee it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation.
This dish isn’t just about taste, though. It’s about the joy of sharing a comforting meal with your family, savoring each bite together. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a weekend feast, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce has you covered. Let’s dive into the recipe and make something truly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce! First off, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen but still want a comforting meal. The beauty of this dish is in the simplicity no complicated ingredients, just everyday pantry staples that you probably already have at home.
The chicken is perfectly tender, bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The rotini pasta is the ideal shape to hold onto that creamy Parmesan sauce, making every bite satisfying. Plus, the combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a sauce that’s creamy and cheesy, yet light enough to keep you coming back for more.
This dish is also endlessly customizable! Whether you’re looking to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or want to swap out the chicken for shrimp or another protein, you can easily make this recipe your own. It’s a great base that allows for plenty of creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the cubed chicken breasts, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt and create a creamy sauce. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the cooked chicken and rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Variation
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are some variations to try based on dietary preferences or to suit your taste:
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Make it vegetarian: If you’d like to make this dish vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These will soak up the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully. You could even use tofu for added protein!
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Go gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, replace the rotini pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are so many great gluten-free pasta options available now, such as rice-based or chickpea pasta, that will work perfectly in this dish.
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Spice it up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage in place of the chicken to give the dish a zesty twist.
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Add a lemony zing: For a fresh twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice and some lemon zest to the sauce before serving. The citrus will brighten the creamy sauce and add a refreshing note to the richness of the Parmesan.
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Try different cheeses: While Parmesan and mozzarella are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, or Pecorino Romano. Each will add a unique flavor profile to the sauce.
These variations allow you to customize the recipe based on your preferences, making it a versatile dish you can enjoy in so many ways.
Cooking Notes
Here are a few important cooking notes to keep in mind when making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce:
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Seasoning the chicken: Be sure to season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This step helps infuse the meat with flavor, ensuring that the chicken is delicious even before adding the creamy sauce.
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Timing is key: When making a creamy sauce, you want to make sure the heat is low enough to prevent the cream from curdling. Keep an eye on the temperature while adding the cream and cheese to create a smooth, velvety texture.
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Tossing the pasta and sauce: Once you’ve added the cooked rotini to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, be gentle when tossing everything together. You don’t want to break the pasta, but you do want to ensure that every piece is coated in that irresistible cheesy sauce.
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Don’t skip the garnishes: While parsley is the go-to garnish for this dish, feel free to add a little extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper is also a nice touch to give the dish some visual appeal and a little extra seasoning.
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Making it ahead: If you’re making this dish ahead of time, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, combine them in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to reheat the sauce to its original creamy consistency.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure that your creamy pasta turns out perfectly every time!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying all on its own, but you can make it even more enjoyable with a few complementary sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to serve with your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce:
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Garlic Bread: It’s hard to go wrong with garlic bread when you’re serving pasta. The crispy, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and helps to scoop up every last bit of it. You can even sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness!
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Steamed Vegetables: To balance the richness of the dish, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are great choices that add color and a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
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Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the creaminess and refresh your palate. Try a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a perfect complement.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or for friends, these additions will elevate your meal and make it feel extra special.
Tips
To make the most of your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, here are some helpful tips that can enhance your cooking experience and ensure the dish turns out perfectly every time:
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Use freshly grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. To avoid this, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once it’s cooked through, remove it from the pan to prevent it from continuing to cook in the hot skillet.
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Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little extra Parmesan cheese or reduce the sauce for a few minutes to help it thicken. On the other hand, if you like a thinner sauce, you can add more chicken broth or a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 635 per serving
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 800mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While rotini is a great choice because its twists hold the creamy sauce, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle would all work wonderfully.
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Can I make this dish dairy-free? If you need a dairy-free version, try substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese options like vegan mozzarella and Parmesan to achieve a similar cheesy texture.
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What can I substitute for chicken breast? You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the protein you use.
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How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat everything, toss the pasta in the sauce, and enjoy.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is one of those meals that feels like a big, comforting hug after a long day. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta come together in perfect harmony, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or even special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s versatile and easy to make, so you can add your personal touch with variations or swaps to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re making it for your family or inviting friends over for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience and leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how you made this dish your own! Be sure to check out other delicious recipes on the site to keep your dinner table exciting and full of flavor.
Now that you have the full recipe, I encourage you to try it out and savor every bite. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the cubed chicken breasts, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt and create a creamy sauce. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the cooked chicken and rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 635
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 40