Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is an inviting and indulgent one-pan dinner that brings together juicy seared chicken, aromatic buttery garlic, and tender rotini pasta, all wrapped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. A comfort food twist on classic Italian flavors, this dish promises restaurant-style luxury with the ease of a homemade meal.
Whether you need a weeknight crowd-pleaser or an elegant dish to impress guests, each forkful delivers savory satisfaction paired with rich, creamy goodness. Serve it straight from the skillet for minimal fuss and maximum flavor—this meal is guaranteed to earn repeat requests.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe shines for those who love bold garlic flavor paired with buttery richness. Every bite features perfectly cooked pasta and succulent pieces of chicken, balanced by a sauce that’s creamy without being heavy. The Parmesan sauce creates tang and depth, while fresh herbs bring brightness. It’s a versatile companion for various sides, from leafy salads to roasted vegetables.
The whole recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings or whenever craving a bit of comfort and gourmet taste. If you love pasta and creamy sauces, this is pure bliss.
Key Ingredients
The combination of simple, accessible ingredients ensures big flavor with minimal effort. Boneless chicken breast or thighs are perfect for searing, soaking up the garlic butter as they brown. Rotini pasta’s spiral shape grabs the rich sauce, holding creamy cheese in each groove.
The homemade Parmesan sauce relies on heavy cream for lusciousness and fresh garlic for punch. Butter is the secret star for golden browning and silkiness, while Italian herbs add layers of seasoning. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving lifts every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan
Instructions
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps them sear and get golden rather than steam. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavor in every bite.
Heat the olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and finish cooking until just done, about another 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken to a bowl; cover lightly.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits to infuse the sauce with flavor.
Add the rotini directly to the pan and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and let cook, uncovered, for about 9–11 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, until just al dente and the liquid reduces to a creamy consistency.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring until melted and the sauce is glossy and thickened. Return the chicken and its juices to the pan, tossing together so every piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for another minute to heat through and meld flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning; add extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.
Turn off heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top. Serve immediately, spooning generous portions onto plates or bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs, if desired. Enjoy with warm bread and a simple salad.
Tips & Tricks
If you’d like the sauce extra creamy, use more heavy cream or add a splash of milk at the end. For more garlic punch, increase the garlic cloves or add a dash of garlic powder.
Sear chicken in batches if needed so the pan isn’t crowded. Rotini works best, but penne or fusilli are great substitutes. For added brightness, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Substitutions
Chicken thighs can replace breasts for juicier, richer flavor. Swap rotini for any short pasta—bowties or shells work well. For a lighter meal, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Pecorino Romano cheese is a great alternative to Parmesan.
Veggie broth substitutes well for chicken. For vegetarians, omit the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette to soak up every bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy textures. Serve alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed greens for extra nutrition.
For large gatherings, present in a casserole dish topped with more cheese and herbs. This dish is adaptable for date nights, family-style dinners, or holiday meals.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead—just gently reheat with a splash of cream to loosen before serving. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, microwave with a bit of cream stirred in, or warm on the stovetop over low. Pasta will absorb sauce as it sits, so keep some extra cream or broth handy to revive leftovers.
Nutrition Note
Using lean chicken and moderate butter keeps the dish balanced yet satisfying. Parmesan adds calcium and flavor, while fresh herbs bring micronutrients and brightness. Portion control is important due to the richness of cream and cheese.
For a lighter version, increase veggie content or use milk instead of cream, and whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Variations
Make it spicy with chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Use grilled chicken for smoky notes or add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami. Stir in spinach before serving for a nutritious boost. For an even fancier twist, layer breadcrumbs and broil briefly for a golden crust.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a beautifully simple and decadent meal that brings the savory comfort of pasta night to new heights.
Easy to make, deeply flavorful, and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of dish that can anchor your week’s menu or shine at the center of a celebration. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on the creamy, cheesy magic.
