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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

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This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish that blends tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and garlicky goodness with rotini pasta. It’s a satisfying, creamy, and cheesy dinner that comes together quickly and is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Flavorful: The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a decadent sauce that enhances every bite.

  • Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy texture and cheesy taste make it a hit with both adults and kids.

  • Versatile: Easily adaptable to include vegetables or different types of pasta.

  • One-Pan Sauce: Minimal cleanup with a smooth, creamy sauce made all in one pan.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a deep skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Set aside.

  3. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking gently to combine.

  5. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

  6. Return the cooked chicken and rotini pasta to the pan. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

  7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.

  • Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for heat.

  • Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage for a different flavor.

  • Low-Carb Option: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when reheated.

  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low to medium heat and stir continuously when adding cream and cheese to ensure a smooth sauce.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a thicker texture, consider adding a bit of flour or cream cheese.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great substitutes with a similar sharp flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

How do I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Opt for shredded cheese blends and substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts to reduce costs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate it, then reheat gently when ready to serve. Keep some cream or broth on hand to refresh the sauce.

Does this recipe work well for meal prep?

Absolutely. Portion it into individual containers and store in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.

Can I omit the mozzarella cheese?

Yes, though mozzarella adds creaminess, you can omit it or replace it with additional Parmesan.

What’s the best way to cube the chicken evenly?

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces, then cut them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a delectable, comforting dish perfect for busy evenings or cozy dinners. With simple ingredients and robust flavor, it’s easy to see why this pasta recipe is a go-to favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it delivers satisfaction in every creamy, garlicky bite.

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich and indulgent pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, garlicky butter, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. If you love creamy garlic chicken pasta, this easy and cheesy recipe will be a new favorite.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rotini pasta

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and done. Remove and set aside.

  • Melt remaining 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine.

  • Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella, allowing cheeses to melt and sauce to thicken slightly.

  • Return chicken and pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce.

  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Substitute rotini with penne or fusilli if desired.

  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

  • For a thinner sauce, add an extra splash of broth or pasta water.

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