Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, creamy, and comforting, but also full of bold, savory flavors, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new favorite meal. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken coated in the creamiest garlic butter sauce, all served up with perfectly cooked rotini pasta that soaks up every bit of that parmesan goodness. It’s an easy, weeknight dinner that feels like a luxurious treat, without the fuss.

I’m talking about a dish that’s so satisfying and indulgent, you’ll find yourself scraping the bottom of the bowl, wishing for just one more bite. Trust me—once you taste that garlic butter, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for this recipe. So let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

This dish isn’t just about tasty ingredients—it’s about delivering flavor in every bite. Here’s why you’re going to want to make this again and again:

Comforting & Cozy: With the creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken, this meal is ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, savory, and just feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Quick & Easy: This dish is so easy to pull together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In under 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, filling meal on the table.

Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, and it brings so much flavor to the chicken and pasta. A generous sprinkle of parmesan just adds to the deliciousness.

Customizable: Whether you like your dish spicier, want to add extra veggies, or prefer a different type of pasta, this recipe is super versatile and can easily be adapted to fit your taste preferences.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s simple, delicious, and something everyone in the family will enjoy. Whether you’ve got picky eaters or people who love bold flavors, this meal checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken and rotini in parmesan sauce:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil (for searing)
• Butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

• Rotini pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

1. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream begins to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine:

1. Add Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Then, add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine everything.
2. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 680
Carbohydrates per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 40g
Fat per serving: 40g
Fiber per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 4g
Sodium per serving: 600mg
Calcium per serving: 30% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Simple Salad: Pair with a fresh, light salad—think greens, a tangy vinaigrette, and maybe a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of color.

Garlic Bread: It’s impossible to go wrong with warm, crispy garlic bread on the side. Perfect for dipping into that creamy sauce!

Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or any veggies you love for added nutrients and a pop of color.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: For juicy, tender chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Chicken breasts cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid dryness.

Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more cream or even some pasta water to loosen things up.

Make It Lighter: You can swap out the heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy. You can also use a leaner cut of chicken like chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Leftovers: This dish makes for great leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti would all work great.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A2: Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic choice! They’re slightly juicier and more flavorful, so they’ll add an extra richness to the dish.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and cook the pasta just before serving.

Q4: Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
A4: You can swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy. You could also try a lighter cream option, like a reduced-fat version.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A5: Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes would be a great way to incorporate some extra flavor and color.

Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
A6: Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra cream.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before cooking.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A8: Of course! If you’re not a fan of parmesan, you can use romano cheese or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different twist.

Q9: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A9: Make sure to cook the sauce over medium heat and stir frequently. If it’s too hot or you leave it on the stove for too long, the cream may break. Stirring helps to keep the sauce smooth.

Q10: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A10: You can use dairy-free butter, non-dairy cream (like coconut cream or almond milk), and a dairy-free parmesan alternative for a dairy-free version of this dish.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that’s simple to make but delivers big flavor. It’s indulgent, rich, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding the family, this dish is sure to be a hit every time. Go ahead and dive in—you’re in for a deliciously creamy and savory experience!

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