If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe. This meal brings together tender, juicy chicken pieces with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with garlic and buttery goodness. Every forkful is a delightful mix of creamy texture, hearty flavor, and just the right hint of herbs. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for a family dinner or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role: from the rich butter and cream creating that velvety sauce, to the Parmesan adding a nutty depth, and the garlic giving a punch of flavor you can’t resist.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Cut into strips or chunks to ensure quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a light fruitiness and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, creamy base and to sauté the garlic perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with fragrant, savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens up the dish and complements the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavors of all ingredients.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The creamy heart of the sauce that makes every bite decadent.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty tang that’s irresistible.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Twirly and perfect for catching all that cheesy sauce.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce to just the right silky consistency.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness for garnish.
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan for topping: Customize with a bit of heat or extra cheese.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt in the water seasons the pasta internally, boosting flavor. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente, then save half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is pure gold to loosen up the sauce later, ensuring it clings beautifully to each noodle.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These simple seasonings layer flavor right into the meat, boosting its natural taste. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to get a nice sear, then cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juices and creates a crispy exterior that contrasts so well with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. This quick step is vital to unleash the garlic’s wonderfully aromatic flavor without letting it burn, which could bring bitterness to the dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer; this warmth helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. Then, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the cream, creating that iconic, velvety Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in some reserved pasta water to bring it to the perfect, luscious consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet with the Parmesan sauce, tossing well to coat every spiral. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and let everything heat together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through. This final marriage of ingredients makes the dish satisfyingly cohesive.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The green flecks not only brighten up the plate but add a fresh herbal note. If you like a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or an extra shower of Parmesan on top. Serve this dish piping hot and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish perfectly. Fresh parsley not only adds color but a light, herbal pop that balances the creamy richness. You can also offer crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a touch of spice, or extra freshly grated Parmesan for cheese lovers who want that sharp umami hit on top.
Side Dishes
This dish is filling and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds excellent textural contrast and freshness. A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is fantastic for mopping up every last bit of the creamy Parmesan sauce, making the meal even more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rotini and chicken in a shallow bowl for a cozy, rustic vibe or plate it elegantly on a white dish to let the creamy sauce and vibrant garnish shine. For a dinner party, consider serving family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves, which adds a warm, communal feel around the table that perfectly matches this comforting recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tricky!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after sitting, but the sauce will thicken, so keep that reserved pasta water handy for reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes okay but isn’t ideal for long-term storage due to the cream sauce which can separate. If you must freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container within 2 hours of cooking and consume within one month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to help bring back that luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a little reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and change the rich texture. This gentle reheating preserves the creamy, garlicky flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a vegan margarine and use coconut cream or another plant-based cream substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to mimic that cheesy flavor. The texture might differ slightly but it’s still delicious!
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can chop the chicken and grate the Parmesan ahead of time. Cooking the pasta in advance is possible but store it separately to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce beforehand. The creamy sauce is best made fresh for maximum flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Keep a bit of the pasta cooking water on hand, as it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency. Adding small amounts gradually while stirring will keep your sauce silky and smooth rather than overly thick or clumpy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas are fantastic additions. Sauté them after cooking the chicken and before adding the cream to keep every component perfectly cooked and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
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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
Description
This creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in Parmesan sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then combined with al dente rotini pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Finished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes or extra cheese, this dish is both decadent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips or chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed for sauce consistency)
Garnish and Optional
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by gradually adding the reserved pasta water.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, stirring well to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, mixing everything together. Allow the dish to heat through for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add optional crushed red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Chicken pieces can be cut into strips or chunks based on preference.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
