Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a comforting, rich, and savory dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Tender chicken bites simmered in a velvety garlic-butter sauce pair beautifully with rotini pasta, whose spirals catch every bit of creamy goodness. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, this dish brings together simplicity and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients & Quantity
Main Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
3 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Additional Sauce Ingredients (recommended for a complete dish)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 12 oz rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken breasts.
3. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (optional).
4. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30–45 seconds).
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until combined.
4. Add Parmesan and Thicken
1. Lower heat and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce.
4. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
5. Combine With Pasta
1. Add the cooked rotini to the skillet.
2. Toss until fully coated.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Serve
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Origin and Cultural Significance
While this dish is not tied to a specific traditional cuisine, it draws clear inspiration from Italian-American cooking. The use of garlic, butter, Parmesan, and cream evokes the comforting richness of Italian sauces such as Alfredo or garlic cream reductions. Pasta dishes combining sautéed meat and creamy sauces gained popularity in American households during the mid-20th century, becoming weeknight staples thanks to their simplicity and universal appeal. Today, creamy chicken pastas remain a symbol of cozy home cooking and family meals.
Description
This dish is indulgently creamy yet balanced with savory garlic and herb notes. The chicken is tender and flavorful, the Parmesan adds depth and umami, and the rotini provides the perfect texture to cling to the luxurious sauce. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal with a restaurant-quality feel.
Optional Additions
Enhance or customize your dish with any of these:
Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli florets, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms
Heat: Red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne
Protein Variations: Shrimp, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken
Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary
Wine: A splash of white wine (¼ cup) in place of some broth for depth
Tips for Success
Cut chicken uniformly for even cooking.
Don’t overcook the garlic—burnt garlic becomes bitter.
Add Parmesan gradually to avoid clumping.
Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for the smoothest sauce.
Reserve pasta water—it’s the secret to adjusting sauce texture perfectly.
Simmer, don’t boil the cream sauce to prevent separation.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: 640–720
Protein: 32–36 g
Carbohydrates: 55–60 g
Fat: 32–38 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sodium: 650–850 mg
(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a dish that blends comfort and elegance, offering a restaurant-quality experience right at home. With its silky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rotini, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Recommendation
Serve this dish with:
A crisp green salad
Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Steamed vegetables
A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
For meal prep, store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While rich and creamy, this dish can easily be made lighter without sacrificing satisfaction. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, use whole-grain pasta, or add nutrient-dense vegetables. Balanced cooking is all about enjoying delicious meals while nourishing your body—this recipe is a perfect example of thoughtful indulgence.
