There’s something wildly satisfying about twirling cheesy Alfredo rotini on your fork and scooping it alongside golden garlic butter chicken bites. This meal is rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying — like a restaurant-quality comfort dish right from your home kitchen.

The tender chunks of chicken are pan-seared with garlic, herbs, and butter until perfectly golden, locking in juicy flavor. Paired with a luscious Alfredo-coated twisted pasta, it becomes a soul-warming meal that’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve for a dinner-in.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need just a few simple tools that each play a key role:

Large Nonstick Skillet: For searing your chicken to golden perfection without sticking or burning.
Medium Saucepan: This is where the magic of Alfredo sauce and pasta combines.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Gentle on your cookware and perfect for stirring creamy sauces without scratching your pans.

Tongs: Helps evenly flip and handle the hot chicken pieces safely and easily.
Strainer: Essential for draining pasta to avoid soggy textures.

Having these tools prepped before you start will keep your cooking seamless and stress-free. And trust me, you’ll be devouring this creamy goodness in no time.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Every ingredient in this recipe has a delicious purpose, contributing to the flavor, texture, and harmony of the final plate:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The heart of the dish. These get seasoned and seared until golden, offering juicy, protein-packed bites.
Garlic (Minced): Adds robust, savory depth that infuses the butter and coats the chicken.

Salted Butter: Gives the chicken richness and that caramelized golden finish we love.
Paprika & Italian Seasoning: For color, aroma, and balanced seasoning that complements both chicken and pasta.
Rotini Pasta (or any twisted variety): Holds onto the Alfredo sauce with every swirl, making every bite creamy and satisfying.

Heavy Cream: The creamy base of our homemade Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated): Melts into the sauce to deliver that signature Alfredo tang and thickness.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Rounds out the Alfredo sauce with warm, savory undertones.

Black Pepper & Salt: Essential for seasoning the sauce to perfection.

How To Make the Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously season diced chicken breasts with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot nonstick skillet, melt butter and add the chicken. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, turning as needed.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth and thickened.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and stir until well coated. Let simmer on low for a minute to soak up all the flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Finish

Plate the Alfredo pasta and top with the golden garlic butter chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried herbs or more Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Best Way to Serve & Store This Cheesy Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken

Serve this dish hot and fresh, right after combining the creamy Alfredo pasta and chicken. The pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully while it’s warm, and the chicken remains juicy and tender with that irresistible garlic butter glaze.

For presentation, plate the pasta on one side and pile the chicken alongside for contrast in color and texture. A light sprinkle of dried parsley or fresh basil adds a finishing touch.

To store, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may dry out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter when searing the chicken or into the Alfredo sauce for a little kick.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully. The goal is to choose a pasta with ridges or curves that hold sauce well.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and a bit of cream cheese, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and tastes better in sauces. Pre-grated works in a pinch, but it may not blend as well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure any seasonings or cheese used are certified gluten-free.

How do I keep my Alfredo sauce from becoming too thick?

If it gets too thick, just whisk in a bit more cream or reserved pasta water until it loosens up to your desired consistency.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this creamy combo of pasta and chicken, you might also enjoy these flavor-packed favorites from my kitchen:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a comforting one-pan classic.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese if you crave cheesy, crispy goodness.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a bold, savory twist.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce — like today’s recipe, with a garlic-forward punch.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta if you’re in the mood for spice and indulgence.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you add your own spin? Maybe a little spice or a different cheese?

I love seeing how others customize these meals. Drop your tips and tricks or ask anything if you’re stuck — let’s make dinner even better together.

Cheesy Alfredo Twisted Pasta with Golden Garlic Butter Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Golden garlic butter chicken paired with creamy Alfredo-drenched rotini makes this dinner dish both decadent and comforting. The chicken is seared to perfection and the pasta clings to a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy dinner winner!

Instructions

1. Season diced chicken breasts with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

5. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Simmer on low for 1–2 minutes.

7. Plate the Alfredo pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken. Garnish with dried herbs or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.