Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

There’s something comforting about a skillet full of creamy pasta, especially when it’s layered with flavor like this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. The golden seared chicken, swirled with rich garlic butter and nestled among tender rotini, offers everything you want in a cozy dinner. Each bite is creamy, savory, and filled with the kind of love you only get from home-cooked meals.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making a weeknight dinner feel special, this dish checks all the boxes. The Parmesan sauce brings a cheesy warmth, while the rotini captures all the silky sauce in its twists and turns. Plus, the recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be adapted with what you have on hand—which means you’ll come back to it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

This meal is the kind of one-pot wonder that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, yet the creamy sauce and herby garlic flavor make it elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of textures from the crisp-tender chicken to the al dente pasta is simply irresistible.

Another reason to love it? It’s great for leftovers. The flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch even better than dinner. Serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread and you’ve got a full, satisfying meal in minutes.

What Kind of Rotini Should I Use?

The best part about this dish is how versatile it is. You can use traditional wheat rotini, whole wheat for added fiber, or even gluten-free if you need an allergy-friendly option. The key is to cook it just until al dente, so it holds up when tossed in the creamy sauce. If you’re out of rotini, fusilli or penne will do just fine—just choose a shape with enough nooks to trap that delicious sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

The beauty of this dish is how a handful of humble ingredients can turn into something truly special. Every element has its place, contributing richness, texture, or bold flavor. Choosing high-quality ingredients, especially the Parmesan and chicken, will make all the difference in the final dish.

• Rotini pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked rotini and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to bring all the flavors together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top. Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and hot.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the simplest meals have their tricks. One common pitfall is overcooking the chicken. To keep it juicy, remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F internally. Letting it rest before slicing will help retain its moisture.

Another mistake is using pre-shredded Parmesan. It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan makes the sauce silky and rich.

Lastly, be careful not to boil the cream sauce too hard. A gentle simmer is all you need—anything more and you risk the sauce breaking or curdling.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

This dish is perfect for feeding four to six people, making it ideal for families or gatherings. Serve it immediately while warm and creamy for the best texture. If you’re planning to save some, let it cool first before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and warm it over low heat. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through for even reheating.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Buttery garlic bread pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.

Roasted Broccoli

A sheet pan of crisp-tender roasted broccoli adds color and balances the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

The cool crunch of romaine with tangy dressing complements the creamy, warm main course.

Sauteed Spinach

Quickly wilted spinach with a touch of garlic is a light and earthy contrast.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Their sweetness offers a lovely counterpoint to the savory chicken and cheese.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant starter.

Lemon Asparagus

Bright and zesty asparagus brings a welcome lift to the meal.

Creamed Corn

If you’re leaning into indulgence, a small side of creamed corn adds creamy sweetness to round things out.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If creamy chicken dinners are your thing, don’t stop here. There’s a whole world of comforting, flavor-packed options to explore:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for bold, spicy flavor.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles if you love simple comfort food.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a low-carb creamy dinner.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for slow-cooked ease.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicier? Add mushrooms? Skip the cream and go light?

I love seeing how others adapt these recipes and make them their own. Share your questions too—let’s swap ideas and make every meal memorable.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food dinners and more on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite weeknight staple!

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the kind of meal that’s hard to beat. It’s rich, comforting, easy to pull off, and crowd-pleasing to the last forkful. With pantry staples and a touch of care, you’ll have a dish that satisfies everyone at the table. So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the magic happen in your skillet.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?