If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that tastes straight out of a restaurant (but can be made in your own kitchen), look no further than Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. This dish brings together juicy golden chicken, al dente rotini, and a lusciously silky Parmesan cream sauce, all delicately balanced with fresh parsley and a hint of garlic. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and draws everyone to the table—comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy for any night of the week.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is in its simplicity: every ingredient brings something essential, whether it’s bold flavor, rich texture, or mouthwatering color. Gather these staples and prepare for something truly special on your plate.

Chicken breasts: Choose two large, boneless breasts for tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Olive oil: A fruity base that helps sear the chicken to a golden perfection.
Butter (divided): Richness and velvety texture come from using butter at just the right moments in the recipe.

Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant base that makes the whole dish sing.
Rotini pasta: Twisted shape catches every drop of that creamy Parmesan sauce.

Heavy cream: The secret to a sauce that’s indulgent and silky without being too heavy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Use real Parmesan and grate it yourself for maximum meltiness and flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce, building layers of flavor.

Chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of bright green color to finish the dish.
Salt: Essential for seasoning everything perfectly, especially the chicken and pasta water.
Black pepper: A pinch or two brings gentle warmth to every bite.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Let’s start with the secret to flavorful chicken: a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides of the breasts. Pat them dry first, which helps them sear up golden and crisp, locking in those juices for each bite. You want every forkful of your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to be perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up olive oil and two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Lay in your chicken, hearing that satisfying sizzle. Let each side develop a beautiful crust—that’s about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once they’re cooked through and tempting brown, set them aside so they rest (and stay juicy!).

Step 3: Cook the Rotini

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the rotini. Stir occasionally, and cook until each piece is just al dente, so it holds up perfectly in the sauce. Before you drain, scoop out a cup of that pasta water; it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later. Then drain the rotini and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Back in the same skillet, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and get fragrant for about one or two minutes. This is what gives Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce its irresistible aroma and deep flavor.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release those flavorful browned bits left by the chicken. Let it simmer gently, soaking up all the savory essence. Next, add the heavy cream and bring it to a delicate simmer—watch as the sauce thickens slightly, promising silky results.

Step 6: Melt in the Parmesan

Now come the show-stopping flavors: sprinkle in your freshly grated Parmesan and whisk until it’s completely melted and the sauce is gorgeously creamy. If you need to, add splashes of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up. The resulting sauce is the heart of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked rotini straight into the skillet, tossing everything together until every twist is luxuriously coated in sauce. If it thickens too much, just add a little more pasta water until it’s silky but still clings to the noodles beautifully.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Slice up your rested chicken and nestle it on top of your creamy pasta. Scatter over that chopped parsley and, for a chef’s flourish, an extra handful of grated Parmesan. Dinner is ready—and absolutely unforgettable!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley and more grated Parmesan right before serving. For a vibrant finish, you could even add a few grinds of black pepper or a drizzle of mild olive oil. These little touches make your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce look as luscious as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta begs for a crisp, refreshing companion—think a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or garlicky roasted asparagus. A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover parmesan sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls, swirling the rotini, and laying the sliced chicken fanned out on top. Or for a family-style vibe, heap everything onto a big platter with extra parsley and cheese in the center of the table. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is as impressive for date night as it is for a weeknight treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The flavors will deepen overnight, making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce a fantastic meal prep option for lunch the next day. Store in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

While the pasta and cream sauce are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and use within a month for best texture. Thaw slowly in the fridge to help prevent the sauce from separating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or microwave in short bursts and stir between intervals. The creamy texture of your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce will return beautifully with this method.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rotini’s spirals are perfect for catching sauce, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine all pair deliciously with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Just adjust cooking time based on package instructions.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked through?

Slice into the thickest part; it should be opaque and juices should run clear. For extra certainty, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer—this ensures your chicken is safe and perfectly juicy.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free rotini and double-check that your chicken broth doesn’t contain gluten. The creamy, savory flavors will shine just the same.

Is it possible to lighten up the sauce?

You can swap in half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a reduced amount of butter if you prefer. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still satisfyingly creamy.

What can I do if my Parmesan sauce gets too thick?

Add a bit more of the reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or even a splash of milk, stirring well to bring the sauce back to that dreamy, pourable consistency that makes Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce so irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dinner bursting with comforting flavors and restaurant-worthy flair, treat yourself to Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and beautifully doable even on a busy night. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your family or friends) will thank you!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a decadent, creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini pasta dish smothered in a rich Parmesan sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook rotini according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Add cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
Slice chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 720

Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 840mg
Fat: 42g

Saturated Fat: 23g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g

Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken, Rotini Pasta, Parmesan Sauce, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe