If you have a craving for a dish that perfectly balances rich creaminess with robust garlic flavor, you are in for a treat with this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe. Picture tender chicken breasts cooked just right, bathed in a luscious Parmesan sauce, all mingling with perfectly al dente rotini pasta. Each bite is a velvety, flavorful experience that brings comfort and elegance to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential, working together to create the aromatic, creamy, and delicious textures and flavors that make this dish a standout. Each one contributes something special—from the buttery base to the sharp Parmesan and the fragrant garlic, making every bite irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich, silky foundation for cooking the chicken and building flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, delivering juicy tenderness once cooked.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth with mellow, roasted garlic notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile subtly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to gently sauté the fresh garlic for a fragrant boost.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the indulgent, creamy texture of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and balances the richness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature tangy, nutty flavor.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Its spirals hold the sauce perfectly, delivering a great pasta-to-sauce ratio.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fresh boldness straight into the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A bright herbal note and a splash of color for finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Chicken
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create a perfect base for the chicken. While the butter melts, season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This flavorful rub will infuse the meat beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Perfectly
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet once the butter is hot. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear. The butter helps brown the chicken, giving it a gorgeous golden crust and juicy texture inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate to rest briefly.
Step 3: Sauté Fresh Garlic
In the same skillet, pour in a tablespoon of olive oil and warm it gently over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, until you catch that irresistible aroma. This step layers fresh flavor right into your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, thickening just enough to coat the pasta later on. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese continuously until the sauce is silky and smooth. Season it with salt and black pepper, then remove from the heat so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 5: Cook the Rotini Pasta
While the sauce thickens, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions—about 9 to 11 minutes until al dente. The corkscrew shape is perfect for holding onto that creamy Parmesan sauce, making each mouthful a creamy delight.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it straight into the skillet with your Parmesan sauce. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and toss them in as well. Gently mix everything to ensure the creamy garlic butter sauce clings to all the pasta spirals and chicken strips thoroughly.
Step 7: Final Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for a crisp, fresh contrast in flavor and a pop of beautiful green. Serve immediately to enjoy the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe at its absolute best, warm and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but adds herbal freshness that balances the rich cream sauce wonderfully. For an extra pop, grate a little more Parmesan just before serving or add a twist of lemon zest to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, cutting through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough also makes a fantastic side, perfect for sopping up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in shallow bowls for a cozy feel or plated elegantly with a sprinkle of additional herbs and cracked black pepper. You can also garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal, though the pasta may absorb some sauce and thicken.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Simply place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but reheating with gentle stirring fixes this easily.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To maintain thickness, you might need to add a small amount of flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe because it melts smoothly and has a robust flavor. Avoid pre-grated options as they sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes. Use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes, and try nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor. The texture will be different but still enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug delivered right to your dinner plate, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe is calling your name. It’s a blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special, rich and comforting but also fresh and satisfying. Grab your skillet and get cooking — you’re going to love every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and creamy garlic butter chicken served with rotini pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce. This comforting skillet meal combines tender seasoned chicken breasts with a smooth, cheesy sauce, finished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Butter and Season Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking while stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Add Chicken to Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them to the skillet with the pasta and sauce.
- Toss Together: Toss everything gently to coat the chicken and rotini evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in Parmesan sauce.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce and better flavor.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
