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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 23 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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

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

  1. 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.
  2. Season Chicken: Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, stirring well to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.