The sizzle of garlic in hot butter fills the kitchen as you prepare a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and indulgent. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini In Parmesan Sauce combines tender chicken, al dente rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all made in just under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to elevate an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.
This recipe is ideal for busy families, romantic dinners, or meal prepping for the week. The dish can be made ahead of time and stored easily, ensuring that you have a delicious meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken creates a delightful mouthfeel.
- The rotini perfectly holds the sauce, making each bite a flavor-packed experience.
- It comes together in just one skillet, simplifying cleanup.
- You can easily customize the heat level with optional red pepper flakes.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create a deliciously creamy meal.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pasta water (if needed)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Note: Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half.
- Mozzarella cheese can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Chicken breast can be replaced with shrimp.
- Italian seasoning can be replaced with herbs de Provence.
How to Make It
Prepare this hearty dish with these easy steps.
Boil pasta
Boil rotini in salted water at high temperature for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Save 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
Season chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked.
Sauté garlic
In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine smoothly.
Mix in cheeses
Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and gradually incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, whisking until silky and uniform. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine everything
Add red pepper flakes for optional subtle heat. Gently fold cooked chicken back into the skillet with prepared rotini, ensuring complete sauce coverage.
Garnish and serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Plate immediately and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for enhanced flavor profile.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for optimal texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a silkier sauce.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it helps adjust sauce consistency.
- Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a perfect evening treat.
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