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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

4.8 from 17 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, combined with al dente rotini pasta tossed in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), tender and juicy
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp butter (for cooking chicken)

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup salted water (for pasta cooking)

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, aged and finely grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest for a few minutes.
  2. Cook the Rotini Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens and becomes silky, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Combine Everything: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce, then add the cooked rotini pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese as desired.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini immediately while hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use aged Parmesan cheese for a richer and more complex flavor.
  • If heavy cream is not available, half-and-half can be used but the sauce will be less thick.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic butter chicken, rotini pasta, Parmesan sauce, Italian chicken pasta, creamy chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner