Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a garlic butter chicken and rotini in parmesan sauce promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Succulent chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each forkful carries rich, velvety notes that dance across your palate.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth, complementing the tender meat and al dente noodles.

Fragrant garlic infuses the entire dish with an irresistible aroma that beckons you closer.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of comfort and satisfaction.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering masterpiece that delivers restaurant-quality goodness right in your kitchen.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking. Use medium heat and cook just until the chicken is no longer pink inside.

• Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less butter to reduce overall calories.

• Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Sauté spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers alongside the chicken for extra nutrition and flavor.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

• Tackle Complex Flavors Easily: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet dining accessible for home cooks.
• Create One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing chicken and sauce in the same skillet, reducing cleanup time and simplifying meal preparation.
• Customize to Your Taste: Adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, switching pasta types, or adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Deliver a creamy, indulgent dish that appeals to both adults and kids, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides substantial protein and serves as the primary component of this comforting dish.

• Rotini: A corkscrew-shaped pasta that holds creamy sauces exceptionally well and adds delightful texture to the meal.

• Butter: A rich, flavorful fat that helps create a smooth foundation for the sauce and enhances overall taste.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness and helps create a velvety, indulgent sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds deep, complex flavor to the sauce.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds robust, savory depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color, mild herbal notes, and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

Step 1: Sizzle and Season the Chicken

Heat a skillet and melt butter over medium warmth. Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan and let it dance for 1-2 minutes until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then slide them into the sizzling pan. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the rotini and cook according to package directions.

When the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, scoop out a cup of starchy cooking water before draining.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked chicken.

Let the mixture simmer and bubble gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken and develop rich flavors. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a silky, creamy sauce that clings to everything.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Chicken

Transfer the cooked rotini into the skillet with the creamy chicken. Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta spiral gets coated in the decadent sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Scoop the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini onto plates.

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Tips to Nail Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in moisture.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• The starchy reserved pasta water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the rotini.
• Adjust garlic amount based on preference – roast briefly to mellow flavor or sauté longer for a deeper, more robust taste.
• Consider using the same skillet for chicken and sauce to capture all the delicious browned bits and maximize flavor complexity.

Variations on Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Swap chicken for seasoned ground beef, incorporate chili powder, cumin, and top with diced jalapeños for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Veggie Protein Power: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, adding nutritional yeast for extra protein and a cheesy flavor profile.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Crisp bacon pieces and add smoked paprika to the sauce, creating a rich and smoky depth of flavor throughout the dish.

Pairings to Enjoy with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

• Savor Crisp White Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, rich chicken sauce with their bright acidity and light fruity notes.
• Enhance Fresh Herbal Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and add refreshing contrast to the heavy cream and butter.
• Balance Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted asparagus or broccoli with garlic and olive oil to provide a green, earthy element that matches the garlic undertones in the main dish.
• Elevate Crusty Bread Option: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce and add a delightful textural crunch to the meal.

Proper Storage for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and pasta separate to maintain texture.

Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Freeze without parsley in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic butter chicken & rotini in parmesan sauce delivers comfort and elegance on one plate. Juicy chicken meets al dente pasta, blanketed in a luxurious, silky sauce that promises pure culinary satisfaction for hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet over medium heat and melt butter, then sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and golden.
2. Season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then transfer to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
3. Simultaneously, boil water in a separate pot and cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Set aside one cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet with cooked chicken and garlic, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
5. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Transfer cooked rotini directly into the skillet with creamy chicken sauce, gently tossing to ensure pasta is evenly coated. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Plate the dish immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley to enhance visual appeal and add a bright, herbaceous flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize chicken texture by slicing or cubing before cooking for varied dining experiences.
• Prevent sauce separation by slowly adding Parmesan and stirring continuously during incorporation.
• Enhance protein options by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Reduce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and Greek yogurt as a partial cream replacement.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 907 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 68 g
• Saturated Fat: 42 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 54 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg