Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Easy Pasta Dinner

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If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that hits the spot every time, look no further than this Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken. It’s a hearty meal that combines the creamy richness of cheese, the tender juiciness of chicken, and the unmistakable zing of garlic, all wrapped around twirls of rotini pasta. Perfect for weeknights yet indulgent enough for guests, this pasta dish offers a satisfying bite in every forkful.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is both simple and rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, you’ll create a cheesy, garlicky pasta dinner that will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is the definition of comfort food, with velvety Parmesan sauce coating every curl of rotini and chunks of golden, seared chicken. The garlic butter flavor seeps into every layer, and the cheese melts into a luxurious, creamy blanket that ties it all together. Best of all, it’s quick enough for busy evenings but rich enough to satisfy any comfort food craving.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for their lean texture and ability to soak up flavor quickly. However, if you prefer a bit more richness, chicken thighs will give you a juicier, more robust bite. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and cut into even pieces for the best results.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

To make this Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll only need a few staple ingredients that each bring a burst of flavor and richness to the dish. This is one of those recipes where every component plays an important role.

• Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
• Chicken breasts: Provide the hearty, protein-packed foundation of the meal.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with savory depth.
• Parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce, it creates a nutty, salty, and creamy texture.
• Butter: Helps sear the chicken and adds a silky richness to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious base of the cheesy sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.
• Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to a golden crisp.

How To Make the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, then add the Parmesan cheese. Allow it to melt into a smooth, thick sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors fully meld.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the easiest recipes have a few pitfalls to watch for. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Rotini should be al dente, not mushy, so keep an eye on the clock. Another issue is crowding the pan when searing chicken, which causes steaming instead of browning. Always sear in batches if needed. Lastly, don’t rush the cheese sauce. Parmesan needs time to melt and incorporate smoothly with the cream—don’t crank the heat too high or it can separate.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is best served hot and straight from the skillet. It feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably, making it perfect for a small family dinner or a cozy gathering. If you have leftovers, let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Garlic Bread

The buttery crispness of garlic bread complements the creaminess of the pasta perfectly.

Caesar Salad

Its crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and Parmesan shavings offer a refreshing contrast.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple and vibrant, broccoli adds a healthy balance to the richness of the dish.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Their sweet acidity pairs well with the savory pasta and adds a pop of color.

Sautéed Spinach

Mild and earthy, it adds extra greens without overpowering the main flavors.

Grilled Asparagus

A crisp and lightly charred side that works great with cheesy dishes.

Caprese Salad

Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring freshness and a splash of color.

Sparkling Lemonade

A tart and fizzy drink to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll definitely enjoy these other pasta creations packed with flavor:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich and rustic Italian vibe.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving even more garlic-packed comfort.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you’re in the mood for creamy tomato richness.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood twist on creamy pasta.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti if you want something hands-off but just as indulgent.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or spinach? Try a spicy version with red pepper flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better every day.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll keep going back to. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, but rich and comforting enough to serve when you’re craving something extra special. With flavorful seared chicken, swirls of rotini, and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, it checks every box for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish never fails to deliver.

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