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
Scale
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.
