Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 ounces rotini pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This comforting dish features tender chicken sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, tossed with rotini pasta and smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner that feels special yet comes together quickly, making it one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something cozy without the fuss.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 ounces rotini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, coating the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken.

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I like to experiment with this dish by swapping rotini for other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle. For a veggie boost, I sometimes add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though it won’t be quite as rich. For some extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of rotini?

Absolutely. I’ve tried this recipe with penne, fusilli, and even spaghetti, and it works great. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta’s package instructions.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, and I find they add a richer flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until fully done.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

I prefer making it fresh for the best texture and flavor. However, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, store separately, and combine them with the sauce just before serving.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but it’s optional. I usually add just a little to give it a subtle kick, but it can easily be left out or increased based on your preference.

Conclusion

I find that Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce hits all the right notes when I want a comforting, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require hours of prep. The creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend treat, this recipe is a reliable classic I keep coming back to.

Recipe:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A comforting and creamy dish featuring tender chicken sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with rotini pasta, and smothered in a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner.