A waft of aromatic garlic and a rich, creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken and rotini—it’s a meal that warms both the heart and the soul. This creamy garlic butter chicken & rotini in parmesan sauce is a delightful dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The key to its success lies in the perfectly balanced flavors and the texture of the creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet indulgent. It’s also great for family gatherings or a cozy dinner with friends. Make-ahead tip: you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and simply reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy sauce clings perfectly to each rotini twist, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
- Fresh garlic and butter combine for a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
- It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
- Versatile with optional ingredients to customize heat and flavor levels.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious dish.
For the Chicken
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic for bigger flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste (Use unsalted butter to control salt)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (can be substituted with half-and-half thickened with a little cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic punch)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed to loosen sauce)
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- Light drizzle of melted butter (for garnish)
Use unsalted butter for better salt control.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half and cream cheese.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted for no heat.
- Fresh parsley can be swapped with basil.
- Rotini can be replaced with any pasta shape you prefer.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to prepare your dish.
1. Sauté chicken
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
2. Add garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
3. Cook pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Prepare sauce
In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the 2 tbsp of butter for the sauce. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine ingredients
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using, mixing until smooth. Add the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Toss the cooked rotini and chicken into the sauce and coat evenly.
6. Serve hot
Plate the creamy garlic butter chicken & rotini and garnish with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, and a light drizzle of melted butter. Enjoy immediately!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, dairy-based sauces can separate.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Add the reserved pasta water gradually for the desired sauce consistency.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially the garlic and red pepper.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
- Great for a cozy family dinner or date night.
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