If you are craving a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one hearty plate, the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe brings tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts together with al dente rotini pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, velvety parmesan sauce infused with garlic and butter. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s simple enough for busy weeknights. Let me take you through this delightful journey where every ingredient shines, making this recipe an instant favorite at your dining table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, but don’t underestimate their magic. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy color that makes this dish so inviting.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The star protein, ensuring a juicy and satisfying bite every time.
- 10 oz rotini pasta: Twisted shapes that trap the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken to a golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the sauce, creating that signature creamy consistency.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: For sharp, nutty flavor and essential sauce thickening.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to lift the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Lending subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances every flavor component.
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to ensure even browning. Season them generously with salt, cracked black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heating the olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat creates the perfect surface to sear the chicken. Cook each breast for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in moisture and maximizes flavor, so take your time and don’t rush.
Step 2: Cook the Rotini
While your chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until just al dente. This means your pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite — the best texture to hold up in a rich, creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in means you’ll capture every bit of flavor left behind. Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant but not browned — this is key to keeping that fresh garlic brightness in the sauce. Next, pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer. As it heats, stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce thickens to your desired creamy consistency. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe, bringing comfort with every creamy spoonful.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Slice your perfectly cooked chicken and add the al dente rotini to the parmesan sauce. Toss everything well so each pasta twist is coated in that flavorful, buttery sauce. Place the chicken slices on top and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and indulging in this dish feels like a little celebration at home.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, don’t skip the chopped fresh parsley — it adds a vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You might also try a light dusting of extra parmesan or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a touch of spice on top.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a nice textural contrast and a healthful boost. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic companion, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a gourmet touch. You could also try layering the pasta and sliced chicken in a clear casserole dish for an inviting family-style presentation that lets everyone admire the layers before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making next-day lunches or quick dinners easy and delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space on top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s creaminess, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen it up. Microwaving is handy too, but be sure to stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic for catching the creamy sauce, other shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well and deliver a similar texture experience.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but keep in mind the texture will be lighter and less rich. For the fullest flavor, heavy cream is best.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with substitutions! Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for the cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and keep them chilled. When guests arrive, quickly reheat everything together in the sauce just before serving for a fresh, homemade meal without last-minute stress.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it more or less spicy?
The Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe has a mild warmth from the black pepper and paprika. You can adjust the spice level by adding more paprika or including crushed red pepper flakes for a bolder kick, or simply reduce the pepper for a gentler taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels so special yet is wonderfully easy to prepare. It’s a recipe to keep close, ready to pull out whenever you want to impress family or simply enjoy a delicious, creamy meal that warms your soul. I hope you’ll dive in and make this delightful dish part of your regular rotation — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts paired with al dente rotini pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. Flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of paprika, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 10 oz rotini pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Heat the fat: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot.
- Sear the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt or cracked black pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Slice chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces for serving.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked rotini directly into the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss well to ensure each piece is coated.
- Combine and garnish: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini warm and enjoy this indulgent, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with other pasta types like penne or fusilli if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal to prevent mushiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for better flavor and smoother melting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
