If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious sauce that blends garlic, butter, and aged Parmesan cheese into pure comfort food bliss. Each bite offers a silky, cheesy coating with just the right balance of savory and rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this dish turns simple ingredients into a memorable, hearty meal that everyone will love.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the juicy chicken breasts to the tender rotini pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that sings with garlic and butter.

2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb): Choose tender, fresh chicken for juicy, flavorful bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
8 oz rotini pasta: The corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is full of taste.
4 cloves garlic, freshly minced: Fresh garlic adds a vibrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
3 tbsp butter, divided: Butter brings richness and helps create the silky sauce and sear the chicken to golden perfection.
1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce decadently smooth and satisfying.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Use aged Parmesan for its nutty depth and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and deglazes the pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A savory herb blend that highlights the dish’s classic Italian flavors.
Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
Black pepper, to taste: Adds just a touch of warmth and spice.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, generously season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat creates the perfect cooking surface. When you add the chicken, listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch as it transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece. Cook about 5-6 minutes each side until no longer pink inside, then set aside to rest so the juices lock in.

Step 2: Cook the Rotini Pasta

While the chicken is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente—firm but tender. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet that housed the chicken, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant and lightly golden—this fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up every delicious browned bit from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens into a silky, luscious coating for your chicken and pasta.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add your cooked rotini pasta and toss everything together, letting the sauce hug each piece of pasta and chicken. If you find the sauce a bit too thick, slowly stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal creaminess. Take a quick taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or cheese as needed.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce immediately, while the sauce is still perfectly silky and warm. Garnish as you like and get ready for compliments because this dish steals the show every time.

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

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or basil brighten the dish with a burst of color and a touch of fresh vibrancy. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for an irresistible cheesy finish that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich, creamy dish with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. These balance the indulgence with a refreshing crunch and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce in individual oven-safe dishes topped with a handful of shredded mozzarella, then broil until bubbly and golden. It’s like a personal casserole that goes straight from oven to table—guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce holds up well, but best to enjoy it while it’s fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too. Allow it to cool completely before transferring portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient future meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickened up during storage, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it back to that signature creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is excellent at holding onto the sauce, other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work beautifully too. Just ensure they are cooked al dente for the best texture.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. The seasoning leans towards savory and aromatic with garlic and Italian herbs. If you love heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during sauce preparation is a fantastic way to customize the spice level.

Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?

Yes! Shrimp or turkey breast are great alternatives that pair nicely with the creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?

For the richest flavor and best melting quality, use a well-aged Parmesan like Parmigiano-Reggiano. Freshly grated cheese will melt into a silky sauce, unlike pre-grated powders that can be grainy.

Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?

Definitely yes. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce comes together quickly, making it a perfect satisfying meal even on busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way the creamy garlic butter sauce wraps around tender chicken and rotini, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. I hope you give this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce recipe a try soon and enjoy every flavorful bite as much as I do. It’s more than just dinner—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable.