Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini Parmesan Sauce Recipe

My latest kitchen adventure with creamy garlic butter chicken involves a rotini recipe that promises pure comfort.

Pasta lovers will adore this rich, cheesy sensation that comes together in under thirty minutes.

Parmesan creates magic when blended with tender chicken and silky sauce.

Fragrant garlic infuses every single bite with deep, satisfying flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that don’t sacrifice taste or quality.

Home cooks appreciate meals that feel indulgent yet remain simple to prepare.

Dive into this delectable dish that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle that hold sauce well.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for extra heat.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and can be more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce That Wows

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: This chicken and rotini recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Master Culinary Simplicity: With straightforward cooking techniques and minimal ingredients, home cooks of all skill levels can create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps or specialized kitchen equipment.
• Customize Your Meal: The recipe offers flexibility for personalization, allowing you to adjust seasonings, add extra vegetables, or swap protein types to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors and kid-friendly ingredients, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into a delightful dining experience that appeals to both adults and children, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides the primary substance of the dish.
• Rotini Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and adds texture to the meal.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that brings rich, salty flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce's consistency.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.

• Butter, Fresh Parsley: Adds richness and a fresh herbal garnish to complete the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Comforting Dish

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Pasta Magic

• Rotini pasta
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Boil the rotini following the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, warm the chicken broth over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese.

Whisk until the cheese melts completely and transforms into a silky smooth sauce.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• Garlic

Season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Lay the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until they’re perfectly done – no pink in sight. This usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side.

Once cooked, slice the chicken into tempting strips.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Fold the cooked rotini into the creamy Parmesan sauce, making sure every pasta piece gets a delicious coating.

Gently add the sliced chicken to the mix, stirring to ensure everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve your masterpiece piping hot.

For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips to Achieve Creamy Perfection

• Ensure rotini is al dente by tasting a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest, preventing mushy texture.
• Lower heat when adding Parmesan cheese and stir constantly to create smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and develop deeper, more concentrated taste.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining recipe's creamy essence.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce becomes too thick, helping achieve perfect, silky consistency.

Variations That Add a Unique Twist

• Mediterranean Chicken Rotini: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Mix in diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and replace parsley with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Rotini: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the sauce, creating a rich and aromatic herb-enhanced version of the original recipe.
• Mushroom Garlic Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and add them to the sauce, bringing an earthy depth to the creamy dish.

Pairing Suggestions to Complete Your Plate

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce's richness while cutting through the buttery flavors.
• Boost Herb Accompaniment: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top to add brightness and create a vibrant flavor contrast with the heavy cream and garlic notes.
• Match Side Dish: Serve with roasted asparagus or a light green salad to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh, crisp vegetable element.
• Enhance Bread Choice: Add a crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce and provide a complementary texture to the creamy pasta.

Proper Storage for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta are completely cooled before sealing.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and consistently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.