Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked rotini pasta and a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce. Infused with garlic and butter, this dish delivers deep flavor with a creamy finish, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

ingredients

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

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)rotini pastaminced garlicunsalted butterolive oilheavy creamgrated Parmesan cheesesaltblack pepperItalian seasoningarlic powderonion powderchicken brothfresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream and stir well.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix to coat with the sauce.

Add the cooked rotini pasta, tossing to combine everything evenly.

Simmer for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Substitute rotini with penne or fettuccine for a different texture.

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Top with shredded mozzarella before serving for extra cheesiness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.

What if I don’t have rotini?

Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan cheese.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce separating upon thawing.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add spice with chili flakes if desired.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.

Do I need fresh Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor, but pre-grated can be used.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, steamed broccoli or peas work great in this dish.

Is it kid-friendly?

Absolutely, the creamy and cheesy flavor is popular with kids.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare everything except the pasta and combine before serving to maintain texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a luscious, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and satisfying for the whole family. With its creamy texture and savory garlic-Parmesan profile, it’s destined to become a regular favorite on your dinner table.

Print
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A comforting one‑pan pasta dish featuring juicy chicken and al dente rotini in a rich garlic‑butter‑Parmesan sauce.


Ingredients

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter; cook chicken 6–7 min per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
  4. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet; sauté garlic 1–2 min until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 3–4 min until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
  6. Stir in Parmesan until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
  7. Slice chicken into strips.
  8. Add pasta and chicken back to skillet; toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
  • Don’t overcook chicken; it should remain juicy.
  • For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry.
  • You can swap rotini with penne or fusilli.
  • Leftovers refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with cream or milk.