Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Creamy garlic butter chicken paired with tender rotini in a velvety Parmesan sauce is one of those dishes that comforts the soul and fills the belly in the most satisfying way. I remember the first time I made this dish, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a hit. But after just one bite, the rich flavors of golden seared chicken, the silky garlic sauce, and the nutty touch of Parmesan won me over completely.
The real magic happens in the skillet where everything comes together. The aroma of garlic butter sizzling as the chicken browns is just the beginning. Once the rotini is added and coated in that luscious sauce, every swirl of pasta becomes a bite of pure indulgence. It’s hearty, it’s creamy, and the touch of cracked pepper gives it a little kick that makes the flavor pop even more.
What I love most about this recipe is that it manages to taste like a restaurant-quality dish while being incredibly simple to put together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a dinner with friends, it brings that wow factor to the table with minimal effort. And if you’re into creamy pasta dishes like my Marry Me Chicken Pasta or comforting options like Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or even my flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts, you’re going to adore this one.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
This dish is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. The rotini holds the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with richness. The chicken is seared until golden, adding a savory contrast to the smooth, cheesy sauce. With just the right balance of garlic, butter, and Parmesan, it hits all the high notes of a delicious, heartwarming dinner.
It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without demanding too much from your schedule or pantry. If you’re looking to impress your family or just treat yourself, this is the recipe to try.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning bite-sized chicken breast pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with butter and a splash of olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add freshly grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. A pinch of Italian seasoning brings extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Rotini
While the sauce simmers, cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked rotini. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. If you prefer a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a splash of milk. Not a fan of chicken breast? Try chicken thighs or even shrimp for a twist.
Want to go low-carb? Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower instead of pasta. You can also toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce step for added flavor and nutrition.
For extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does wonders. And if you love cheese, mixing in a bit of mozzarella or fontina adds a stretchy, cheesy finish that’s irresistible.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is filling on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast. A simple arugula or baby spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For something warm on the side, garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls make for a heavenly combination.
If you’re serving this for a gathering, a light appetizer like my Broccoli Salad or Oven Roasted Root Vegetables would round out the meal beautifully. For drinks, go with a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy garlic notes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Avoid freezing the dish, as the creamy sauce can separate and affect texture upon thawing. If you need to make it ahead of time, prepare the components separately and combine just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free rotini or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Always check your Parmesan and seasoning labels to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just cut it into bite-sized pieces and add it during the sauce step to warm through. Make sure it doesn’t dry out by avoiding overcooking.
Is there a dairy-free version?
For dairy-free, replace the butter with plant-based butter and the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese in place of Parmesan.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Store separately and mix with fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve for best texture.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
Always go with freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded varieties may not melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you love rich and creamy pasta dishes, you should definitely try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a flavor explosion with sundried tomatoes and herbs in a luscious sauce. Another must-try is my Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that’s loaded with hearty sausage and spinach.
You might also enjoy my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts, especially if you want a low-carb alternative to pasta. And for a family-friendly classic, check out the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach that combines seafood and comfort food perfectly.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to your favorite dinner or pasta board on Pinterest! It’s a recipe worth revisiting, whether for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Share it on Facebook, send it to a friend who loves creamy pasta, or bookmark it so you never lose track of this comforting favorite.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce recipe brings together juicy, golden-seared chicken pieces and rotini pasta in a rich, velvety Parmesan and garlic cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and ultra-comforting, it's an easy one-skillet dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but comes together quickly at home. With flavors of fresh garlic, butter, and nutty Parmesan wrapped around al dente rotini, this dish is the ultimate creamy pasta dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- Reserved pasta water (1/4 cup, as needed)
- Reserved pasta water (1/4 cup, as needed)
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add Italian seasoning.
- Meanwhile, cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try browning the butter before sautéing the garlic.
- Rotini holds sauce well, but penne or farfalle are great substitutes.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a nutritious boost.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
