Welcome to a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce! Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with the comforting aroma of garlic and fresh herbs. This dish is creamy without heavy cream and remarkably easy to whip up, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings. Plus, it brings together the delightful chew of rotini and the rich, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese. Grab your apron and let’s dive into this hearty, wholesome meal that you’ll surely want on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This dish is not just delicious; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The blend of garlic and butter with chicken and cheese creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will adore. You can always count on this recipe for comfort food that doesn’t skimp on taste. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a silky, creamy dinner that feels special yet is so simple to make. Just picture swirling your fork through that saucy goodness.
- Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Easy: Simple techniques and minimal prep make this a stress-free cook.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Meal prep: Make it ahead for an easy reheat-and-enjoy dinner.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Family-approved: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters can enjoy.
- Comfort food: Rich flavors that feel like a cozy night in.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Butter: Adds richness and a deep flavor base.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly.
- Garlic powder: Convenient way to infuse garlic flavor.
- Onion powder: Enhances overall savory taste.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a touch of herbiness to the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps in sautéing the chicken smoothly.
- Heavy cream: The star that creates a creamy texture without too much dairy.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce; can use low-sodium for lighter flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy finish that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Rotini pasta: Twists capture tons of sauce for each bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for balance.
- Fresh garlic: Bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather your ingredients and equipment: pan, spatula, and mixing bowl.
- Chop the garlic and parsley; set them aside for later.
- Measure out your spices, cream, and broth for quick access.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil.
- Add the chicken breasts, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, followed by cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the sauce.
- Add the cooked rotini and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Finish with chopped parsley for garnish and serve hot!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- For extra creaminess, blend a bit of cream cheese into the sauce.
- To save time, make the sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or use canned chicken for quicker prep.
- Ensure the pasta is al dente for the best texture against the creamy sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, leading to dryness. Keep an eye on your timing and check the internal temperature—it should hit 165°F for the best juiciness.
Another pitfall is letting the sauce boil too vigorously; it can split and lose its lovely texture. Maintain a gentle simmer for a perfectly creamy result.
Lastly, under-seasoning can happen if you’re hesitant. Don’t be shy; the flavors in this dish thrive on seasoning, so don’t skip the salt and pepper!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rotini or any preferred pasta alternative.
- Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative and leave out Parmesan.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Herbal: Mix in fresh basil or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Different cooking methods: Try using an Instant Pot or air fryer for quicker cooking times.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Best Pairings
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread makes an amazing addition for all the sauce-happy eaters.
Toppings & Garnishes
- Drizzle with extra olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Sprinkle with more Parmesan just before serving for extra cheesiness.
Drink Pairing
- A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store portions for easy reheating throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the cream may change slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just ensure it’s fully cooked through before serving.
How to make it extra creamy without cream? Try Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter option.
Can I double it? Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough pan to accommodate everything.
How to fix a too-thick sauce? Stir in a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Ready to savor the delightful flavors of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce? You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is to whip up! Don’t forget to rate and comment on your experience or check out our pasta recipes for more culinary adventures!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Lean protein that cooks quickly.
- 8 oz Rotini pasta Twists capture tons of sauce for each bite.
- 3 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and a deep flavor base.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil Helps in sautéing the chicken smoothly.
- 1 cup Heavy cream Creates a creamy texture without too much dairy.
- 1 cup Chicken broth Adds depth to the sauce; can use low-sodium for lighter flavor.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese For that cheesy finish that coats the pasta perfectly.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Convenient way to infuse garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder Enhances overall savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Brings a touch of herbiness to the dish.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Essential seasonings for balance.
- 3 cloves Fresh garlic Bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley For a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients and equipment: pan, spatula, and mixing bowl.
- Chop the garlic and parsley; set them aside for later.
- Measure out your spices, cream, and broth for quick access.
Cooking and Assembly
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil.
- Add the chicken breasts, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, followed by cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Serving
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the sauce.
- Add the cooked rotini and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Finish with chopped parsley for garnish and serve hot!