Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Save this recipe on:

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. Golden-seared chicken bites smothered in a velvety parmesan sauce, hugging every twist of tender rotini pasta—it’s a weeknight dinner dream that feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home. The garlic butter base infuses each bite with rich, savory flavor while the parmesan brings that signature nutty sharpness we crave in creamy pastas.

What sets this dish apart is its balance. It’s indulgent but not overwhelming, creamy but never too heavy. The rotini holds the sauce beautifully, and the seared chicken pieces stay juicy and flavorful. It’s a one-pan masterpiece for busy nights, dinner parties, or just when you want a meal that earns a chorus of “Mmm!” at the table.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is the ideal choice for this dish because its corkscrew shape captures and holds onto every bit of the creamy parmesan sauce. If you’re looking for alternatives, fusilli or penne also work well. The key is to choose a pasta with ridges or curves that cradle the sauce and add texture to each bite.

---

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

Chicken Breast: Lean, juicy protein that absorbs the garlic butter flavor beautifully when seared.

Rotini Pasta: Twisted pasta that holds onto the sauce perfectly.

Butter: Forms the rich, golden base for searing the chicken and sautéing garlic.

Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and warmth that defines the entire flavor profile.

Heavy Cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce, creating luscious texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and sharp—it melts into the cream for that signature flavor.

Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce with a savory backbone and thins it to the perfect consistency.

Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

Parsley (optional): For a fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal notes.

---

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt half of the butter and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Add heavy cream and stir continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Cook the Rotini

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the seared chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked rotini. Stir everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper or parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

---

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

This dish is best served straight from the skillet while the sauce is hot and creamy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. A slice of warm garlic bread on the side turns it into a cozy, complete dinner. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice on top before serving to cut through the richness.

To store, let the dish cool completely and place leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back to its silky consistency.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with fusilli, penne, or even farfalle. Just choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream and parmesan?

You can swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based parmesan alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli blend beautifully into the sauce and add more texture.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter base or a dash of hot sauce when combining the pasta.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy garlic parmesan profile perfectly.

Can I freeze it?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to one month. Reheat slowly on the stove with extra cream or broth to refresh the texture.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: