Cooking this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen not just for its rich flavors, but for the comfort it brings to the table. This recipe is an embodiment of simple yet indulgent home cooking—perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. The luscious combination of tender chicken, spiraled rotini, and a creamy Parmesan sauce will warm you from the inside out, making it the kind of dish you’ll want to revisit time and again.
What makes this recipe special
Why is this dish a must-try? For starters, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that brings a taste of restaurant quality right into your home. With minimal ingredients and just about 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that feels special enough for a celebration, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
As a bonus, it’s kid-approved and can easily be customized based on your family’s preferences. Picture a busy weekday: you want something hearty and comforting that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This creamy garlic butter chicken dish does just that.
“This meal was a hit with my entire family! My kids couldn’t get enough of the creamy sauce, and I loved how easy it was to prepare.” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? It involves cooking rotini, sautéing chicken, and crafting a silky-smooth creamy sauce, before bringing it all together. The result? A delightful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Key ingredients
To make this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or use gluten-free pasta if needed!
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your creamy pasta dish:
- Cook the Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini as per the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Season and Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring until they melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce that beautifully clings to pasta.
- Bring it All Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss in the cooked rotini and gently mix to ensure every piece is coated in that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish.
Serving suggestions
Consider serving this dish with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or garlic bread for some extra indulgence. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy flavors beautifully if you’re entertaining guests. You could even add steamed vegetables for a pop of color and added nutrition.
How to store
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months; just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Tips to make
For optimal results, ensure your chicken is evenly cubed for consistent cooking. Don’t rush the sauce; letting it simmer will enhance the flavor. For a tangy twist, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding spinach for a nutritional boost, or swap out the chicken for shrimp for a seafood delight. You could also make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or add sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor punch.
Common questions
How long does this meal take to prepare?
Typically, you can have this dish on the table within 30 minutes!
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Absolutely! Half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream can work in a pinch.
How do I reheat leftovers safely?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess without overheating.
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce recipe is a delightful way to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
A quick and satisfying meal featuring tender chicken and spiraled rotini in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini as per the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Season and Sauté the Chicken: Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the seasoned chicken. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Gradually pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in the Cheese: Add grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Bring it All Together: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add cooked rotini, and mix to coat in sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use gluten-free pasta if needed. Let the sauce simmer for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
