Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Okay, are you ready for the ultimate comfort food? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new go-to dish for cozy nights in. Picture this: juicy chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a rich, garlicky, buttery Parmesan sauce that wraps around everything like a warm hug. Trust me, every bite is like a little piece of heaven. The flavors are so creamy and irresistible that you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds).

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making memories at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (hey, we all deserve a treat), this dish will hit the spot. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Versatile

This creamy, comforting dish works for any occasion—weeknight dinner, a laid-back dinner party, or when you just need something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You can serve it as a main course or pair it with something fresh like a salad or some crusty bread.

Budget-Friendly

No need to run out to specialty stores! With a few basic ingredients (you probably already have them in your kitchen), you can whip up a decadent meal that feels gourmet without the price tag.

Quick and Easy

Don’t worry if you’re not a chef—you don’t have to be to make this! The steps are simple, and the whole thing comes together in less than 45 minutes. It’s an easy win for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Customizable

Love bold flavors? Throw in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little kick. Prefer something more mellow? You can adjust the garlic and seasoning to suit your taste. This dish is easy to adapt based on what you like.

Crowd-Pleasing

Let’s be real: who doesn’t love creamy, garlicky goodness? Whether you’ve got kids or adults at the table, everyone will love this dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and just plain delicious.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. This dish is made with everyday ingredients, but it tastes like it’s straight out of a fancy restaurant. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Breasts

The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts get perfectly tender and juicy as they cook in that glorious garlic butter sauce. They’re the perfect protein to balance out the richness of the pasta and sauce.

Rotini Pasta

Rotini is my favorite for this dish—it’s got the perfect shape to grab onto that creamy Parmesan sauce. The twists and turns just soak up the sauce, making every bite extra delicious.

Butter

We’re talking about garlic butter here, folks! The butter adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the chicken to golden perfection. It’s the base of all that creamy goodness.

Garlic

Ah, garlic—what would life be without it? The garlic infuses the butter with a savory depth that makes this sauce sing. The aroma as it cooks is absolutely mouthwatering.

Heavy Cream

This is where the magic gets creamy. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and velvety, coating everything perfectly without being too heavy.

Parmesan Cheese

You can’t make a Parmesan sauce without Parmesan cheese! This adds that nutty, salty flavor that makes every bite pop.

Chicken Broth

The chicken broth helps create a silky sauce without making it too thick. It also adds extra flavor to the overall dish.

Salt & Pepper

Simple but essential! These seasonings bring all the flavors together. You can always adjust the seasoning to your liking.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this creamy, garlicky goodness? Let’s get started:

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini in salted water according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water—this can help thicken your sauce later.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more butter and sauté your garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens up and becomes luxuriously creamy.

Add the Parmesan

Now, stir in that glorious Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts into the sauce, creating that perfect creamy texture that will have you drooling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Slice your cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the skillet along with the cooked rotini. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are coated in that dreamy sauce. If it looks a little thick, you can add some of that saved pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything’s nicely combined, serve your creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini hot, and don’t forget to garnish with a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Dive in and savor every bite—you won’t be disappointed!

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

This dish is so satisfying, you could easily enjoy it on its own. But if you’re looking to balance it out with some sides, here are a few suggestions:

Fresh Salad

Pair it with a crisp green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Crusty Bread

Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully for soaking up that extra creamy sauce. You’ll want to get every last bit!

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini are the perfect side dish to add a pop of color and nutrients.

Extra Parmesan

For the ultimate indulgence, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top right before serving. It’s just the cherry on top of an already delicious dish!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:

Prep Ahead

Chop your chicken and garlic ahead of time to make this meal even quicker when you’re ready to cook. You can also cook the pasta earlier in the day and store it in the fridge.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give the dish a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the creamy flavors.

Make It Lighter

To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a lighter version of Parmesan cheese.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

Double the Batch

This recipe is perfect for making extra and having leftovers the next day. It also freezes well for a quick meal when you’re short on time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the chicken breasts with something else?
A1: Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs or even shrimp for a different protein option.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: You can prep the chicken and pasta ahead of time, but I recommend making the sauce fresh to keep the creamy texture.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy sauce.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger skillet or split it into two pans to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is truly the definition of comfort food. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, buttery sauce, every bite will have you coming back for more. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

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