This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, indulgent dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a silky garlic-parmesan sauce with just the right amount of buttery warmth. It’s comfort food at its finest—luxurious, aromatic, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you’re craving something creamy and comforting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Dream: Fresh garlic gives a deep, savory aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
- 🧈 Butter & Cream Base: Rich and velvety without being overly heavy.
- 🧀 Parmesan Perfection: Adds nutty richness and depth to the sauce.
- 🥘 Tender Chicken: Seared to golden perfection and soaked in garlic-butter flavor.
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 Minutes: A quick, one-pan meal that feels gourmet but comes together fast.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For Cooking:
- 12 oz rotini pasta , cooked al dente (or penne/farfalle)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cubed (about 1½–2 lbs total)
- 3 tbsp butter , divided
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional for extra depth)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese , freshly grated
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (adds stretchiness – optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat lovers)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente —usually about 8–10 minutes .
Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat , melt 2 tablespoons of butter .
Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Cook for 5–7 minutes , stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pan and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pan.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , just until fragrant—not burnt!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in:
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
Whisk gently to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes , then stir in:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella (if using)
Stir constantly until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Season again with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce.
Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes , allowing the pasta to soak up all the flavor.
Step 6: Serve Warm with a Sprinkle
Transfer to serving plates or a large bowl.
Garnish with:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A light drizzle of olive oil or melted butter for shine
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated versions.
- 🧄 Don’t Burn the Garlic: Cook on medium-low heat to avoid bitterness.
- 🍴 One-Pan Wonder: Use a wide sauté pan or Dutch oven to cook everything together.
- 🥦 Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Reheats beautifully—add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with garlic bread and a green salad for a full meal.
- Great with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Top with crushed red pepper flakes or truffle Parmesan for gourmet flair.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
(With regular dairy and chicken breast – approximate)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~30g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~5g
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is a dream come true for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting textures. With its silky Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta—it’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special.
So go ahead and treat yourself… because this dish is worth every creamy bite!