There’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy pasta dish to bring comfort to your table, and Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is just that — indulgent, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy evening at home with your loved ones, looking to impress at a family dinner, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Inspired by classic Italian-American flavors, this recipe combines tender chicken, al dente rotini, and a velvety garlic butter Parmesan sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory richness and subtle heat. It’s simple yet packed with all the comforting ingredients we crave. Once you try this dish, you’ll be eager to make it again and again, no matter the occasion. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to treat yourself to a mouthwatering experience!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Pasta & Chicken:
- 12 oz rotini pasta – The spiral shape holds onto that creamy sauce, making each bite more delicious!
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs) – Cut into bite-sized pieces for tender chunks of chicken throughout the dish.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter – Adds that rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Used for searing the chicken, adding flavor and richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The heart of this sauce, adding aromatic flavor with every bite.
- 1 cup chicken broth – To create the liquid base for the sauce, adding depth and savory notes.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – This is the secret to that rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – It melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that signature cheesy goodness.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste) – A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper – A bit of black pepper balances out the richness.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – For a smoky undertone that adds complexity to the dish.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning – A combination of herbs to give that unmistakable Italian flavor.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat that brings this dish to life.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional) – For an extra creamy, cheesy texture.
- ½ cup pasta water (if needed) – To adjust the consistency of the sauce if it gets too thick.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – For a fresh, vibrant finish.
Directions for Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Tip: The reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency. Keep it on hand!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season your chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
3. Make the Parmesan Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step releases all the aromatic oils in the garlic and infuses the butter with incredible flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which will help thicken the sauce. Gradually add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. If you’re using mozzarella, add it in as well, and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
For an extra touch of heat, you can also stir in the red pepper flakes at this stage. This will add a hint of spiciness, elevating the overall flavor.
4. Combine & Serve:
Once the sauce is perfectly creamy and smooth, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Then, add the drained rotini pasta and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for that added cheesy goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors of this delightful dish!
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
1. Choosing the Right Chicken:
While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs can be used for a slightly richer and juicier option. Thighs tend to be more forgiving in terms of moisture, so if you prefer a more tender texture, opt for them.
2. Make it Spicy:
If you enjoy a bit of spice, the optional red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat. Add more or less depending on your heat tolerance. You can even experiment with other spices, such as chili powder or cayenne pepper, to bring in additional flavors.
3. Adjust the Creaminess:
The heavy cream provides a luxurious base for the sauce, but if you want a lighter version, you can substitute half and half or even whole milk. Just note that the sauce may not be quite as rich and creamy, but it will still taste amazing!
4. Pasta Variety:
Although rotini is perfect for holding the sauce, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. The key is to pick a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well, creating an irresistible bite with every forkful.
5. Freshness Matters:
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often has added preservatives and may not melt as smoothly, so take the extra step to grate it yourself for a creamier texture and fresher taste.
6. Garnish for Color:
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that balances out the richness of the dish. Plus, it makes the dish look just as good as it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the epitome of comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or ease of preparation. With a quick prep time and a cooking time of just 20 minutes, it’s a meal that doesn’t require hours of effort yet still delivers an incredible depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
The creamy Parmesan sauce is irresistible, coating every piece of pasta and chicken in cheesy, buttery goodness. The subtle kick of red pepper flakes (if added) creates a perfect contrast to the rich sauce, while the garlic and smoked paprika give it an irresistible depth of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to scoop up every last bite.
Whether you serve it as a hearty weeknight dinner or as part of a festive holiday spread, this recipe will undoubtedly impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. And with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
This recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is ideal for a variety of occasions. Looking for a cozy, indulgent dinner after a long day? This dish has got you covered. Need a crowd-pleasing meal for a family gathering or special celebration? You won’t be disappointed. And if you’re meal prepping, this recipe holds up wonderfully in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility — you can customize it based on your preferences, adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a little extra color and flavor. Whether you stick to the basics or get creative, this dish will always be a hit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a meal that’s both easy and decadent, look no further than Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s an ideal recipe to try when you want to treat yourself or impress your family and friends.
So, next time you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and savory meal, pull up this recipe and enjoy the ultimate creamy pasta experience.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
There’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy pasta dish to bring comfort to your table, and Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is just that — indulgent, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy evening at home with your loved ones, looking to impress at a family dinner, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
½ cup pasta water (if needed, for sauce consistency)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Parmesan Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add Parmesan cheese and mozzarella (if using), stirring until smooth and creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat. - Combine & Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained rotini. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top!
Notes
- While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the standard choice, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, richer option.
- The red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the dish, but feel free to omit or adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce may not be as rich.
- Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese yield the best flavor and texture in this dish.
- The reserved pasta water is crucial for adjusting the sauce consistency. Keep it handy!
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins