Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rotini In Parmesan Sauce

Craving something warm, creamy, and super yummy? This garlic butter chicken and rotini in Parmesan sauce is pure comfort in a bowl!

You get juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, buttery Parmesan sauce. Every bite is cheesy, cozy, and full of flavor.

Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or just when you want a big bowl of comfort. Easy to make. So good to eat.

Grab a pan and your pasta—let’s cook up this creamy, cheesy chicken dinner today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This dish wraps you up like a warm blanket—perfect for cozy nights.
• Flavor-Packed: Between the garlic butter, seasoned chicken, and sharp Parmesan, there’s no bite without depth.
• One-Pot Friendly: Cook everything in stages using one pan and one pot—less mess, more flavor.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Great for feeding a crowd or stocking the fridge with leftovers.
• Customizable: You can toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more richness.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 50–55 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people as a hearty main dish.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly with just enough steps to feel satisfying. No fancy equipment needed.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large deep skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rotini

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish come together:

• 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)

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

• Add Veggies: Stir in fresh baby spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper or chili flakes adds heat.
• Swap the Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or shells also work great.
• Use Thighs: Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more richness.
• Add a Citrus Twist: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the creamy sauce beautifully.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Lightly toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should stay pale and aromatic.

4. Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Then slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and blend into a creamy sauce.

5. Add Mozzarella and Return the Chicken

Add the shredded mozzarella, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.

6. Combine with Rotini

Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Gently fold everything together so the pasta is well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich on its own, but here’s how I like to round it out:

• With Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread makes it even more comforting.
• Next to a Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more Parmesan or a little sharp Romano on top for added bite.
• Garnished with Herbs: Fresh parsley (or basil if on hand) brings a pop of color and freshness.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
• Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing creamy pasta sauces, as they can split and become grainy after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Try to cube your chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a stronger, more aromatic flavor than jarred or powdered options.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly—grate your Parmesan fresh for a silkier sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook just until al dente. It’ll continue to absorb sauce once mixed in.
• Keep the Heat Low When Adding Cheese: Too much heat can cause the sauce to separate—melt cheese gently into a warm base.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	550–600 kcal
Protein	35–40 g
Carbohydrates	35–40 g
Fat	30–35 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2–3 g
Sodium	600–700 mg
Calcium	20% DV

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the components (chicken, sauce, and pasta) a day ahead, store them separately, and reheat gently before combining. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

What can I use instead of rotini?

Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie (farfalle) works well. Even spaghetti will do in a pinch—it just won’t hold the sauce as well.

Can I make it lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be thinner. Low-fat cheese can also work, though it may not melt as smoothly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough skillet or pot to hold everything. Double the sauce ingredients to keep the pasta from drying out.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a weeknight dinner hero—simple to make, full of rich flavor, and endlessly satisfying. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a homemade cream sauce that ties it all together, it’s the kind of meal that feels special without requiring anything fancy.

If you’re craving comfort food that delivers every time, this dish is a solid go-to. Whether you’re making it for the family or saving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, it’s a recipe worth keeping on rotation.