Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, look no further than Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. This warming dinner brings together juicy bites of chicken, twirly rotini pasta, and a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce—all made in just one skillet. With its irresistible aroma, golden sautéed chicken, and silky cheese sauce that hugs every corkscrew noodle, it’s the sort of weeknight meal you’ll find yourself dreaming about long after the plates are cleared.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so wonderful about this recipe is how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients come together to create something truly memorable. Each item plays a starring role—bringing flavor, richness, or just the right touch of texture and color to your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for speedy and even cooking.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Butter: Gives the sauce its signature richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Garlic: Five cloves freshly minced, because garlic is truly the heart of this dish.
• Salt & black pepper: Seasons the chicken and enhances every other flavor in the skillet.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in a lovely herbal warmth—think oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
• Paprika: Adds a gentle color and smoky undertone that makes the chicken extra crave-worthy.
• Rotini pasta: The spiral shape clings to creamy sauces, making each bite delightfully saucy.
• Heavy cream: Delivers luxurious, decadent body to the Parmesan sauce.
• Milk: Lightens up the sauce while keeping it silky and smooth.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts effortlessly into the cream, adding unmatched savory depth.
• Reserved pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling to your noodles for perfect texture.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a sprinkle of color and a hint of bright, fresh flavor to finish.

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

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—like the sea, as they say! Drop in your rotini and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about 1/4 cup of that precious starchy pasta water before draining; this little trick transforms your sauce from good to chef-quality. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Grab your biggest skillet and heat both olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling and fragrant, scatter in the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside; let those savory juices flavor the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it—those flavorful brown bits are magic), toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic, making sure it doesn’t burn. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add all that glorious freshly grated Parmesan. Cook, stirring, for another 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and turns irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now comes the fun part! Add your cooked rotini, the reserved pasta water, and sautéed chicken (along with any juices) straight into the skillet. Toss and stir everything together for another couple of minutes over medium-low heat, just until the pasta is glossy and the sauce perfectly coats every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet if you like—a pop of green never hurts. Serve the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce piping hot, with a little extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.

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

Garnishes

The finishing touches can turn your meal into a restaurant-worthy plate. A shower of fresh parsley brightens the color and flavor, while an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese adds drama and more umami punch. For even more flair, try a twist of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat—totally up to you!

Side Dishes

This decadent pasta easily stands as a meal on its own, but it loves a good sidekick. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli makes for a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the sauce. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve with warm, crusty bread for swooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a dinner party or want to give your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce a little extra wow factor? Try serving it in shallow pasta bowls piled high, or even individually portioned mini cocottes for an elegant touch. Add roasted tomatoes or a swirl of pesto for a vibrant pop of color, or tuck in a few sautéed mushrooms to make it your own signature dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container as soon as the pasta has cooled to room temperature. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or those busy evenings when you want something cozy and satisfying with zero fuss.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze the finished pasta for up to one month if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the leftovers and warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to bring the sauce back to its creamy best. If microwaving, use medium power, stirring once or twice, and always cover your container to trap in the moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rotini is a star in Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce because its spirals catch all the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.

What can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to substitute shrimp, cooked sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The creamy Parmesan sauce pairs well with almost any protein!

How do I make the sauce extra smooth?

Freshly grated Parmesan is key to a satiny sauce—it melts much better than pre-grated cheese and avoids any graininess. Whisk constantly as the sauce comes together for the silkiest texture.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can be stirred in for extra color and flavor. Add them after the garlic step so they have time to cook and their flavors can meld with the sauce.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly. As soon as the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the pan to prevent any dryness before adding it back at the end.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce—it’s hearty, comforting, and made for sharing around your table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself on a quiet night in, this pasta dish never disappoints. Let this one become your go-to for all things cozy and delicious!

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