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

Scale

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