GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN ROTINI

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. It was a frantic weeknight, and I needed something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please my picky eaters. I threw together some chicken, garlic, butter, and pasta, hoping for the best. The result? Pure magic! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce you’ll ever make!

Unlocking the Secrets to Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Get ready to experience a flavor explosion! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a symphony of savory goodness, where tender chicken meets perfectly cooked rotini in a luscious, garlicky, buttery, cheesy sauce. It’s comfort food elevated, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can absolutely nail this recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a carefully crafted combination of flavors and textures that work together in perfect harmony. Here’s why it’s so good:

• The Chicken: We’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• The Sauce: The creamy garlic butter sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, decadent, and packed with garlic flavor, perfectly balanced by the salty Parmesan cheese.
• The Pasta: Rotini is the ideal choice for this dish. Its corkscrew shape holds onto all that delicious sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
• The Simplicity: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already!

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Rotini Pasta: 1 lb (16 oz) box of rotini pasta.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (yes, we’re using a lot, and it’s worth it!).
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, friend, let’s get our aprons on and create some magic! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce in no time.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t overcook it; we want it to have a little bite!
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter. The aroma should be intoxicating!
4. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Continue to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Success Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Want to ensure your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is a resounding success? Here are a few golden tips that will guarantee a perfect result every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a great texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin the entire dish. Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking, and reduce the heat if necessary.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The amount of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes can be adjusted to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is still hot and creamy. If you need to keep it warm, you can place it in a low oven (200°F) for a short period of time.

Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms along with the garlic for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use Different Pasta: Feel free to substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or farfalle.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here’s how to make this dish ahead of time and store any leftovers:

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta, then combine everything in a skillet and heat through.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich and creamy pasta.
• Add Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for added aroma and flavor.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes to Try

If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini, you’ll definitely want to check out these other equally delicious chicken pasta recipes:

Craving a quick and easy weeknight dinner? Then you absolutely must try Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. They’re packed with flavor and ready in minutes!

For a comforting and effortless meal, try Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes. It’s an easy dump dinner that cooks itself!

Another fantastic crockpot option is Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Just dump, forget, and come home to a delicious meal.

If you’re looking for a bite-sized delight, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta. These little bites are bursting with flavor!

For a simple yet elegant dish, try Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress.

And finally, for a one-pan wonder, don’t miss Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. It’s a one-pan, 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Here’s the complete recipe for your convenience. Print it out, save it to your phone, or bookmark this page so you can easily access it whenever you’re ready to cook!

Ingredients:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 lb (16 oz) box of rotini pasta
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low.
5. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Simmer for a few minutes, until thickened.
6. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Conclusion: Your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Adventure Awaits!

There you have it! The secrets to creating an absolutely divine Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce are now yours. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. I know you’ll absolutely love it! Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Amelia

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rotini are coated in a luscious, garlicky, buttery, and cheesy Parmesan sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 700 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped optional
• Water for boiling pasta

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
• Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Continue to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is key for the best texture. Adjust the amount of garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese to your preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. To add vegetables, saute broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms with the garlic.