This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—juicy chicken coated in a luscious, buttery garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with tender rotini pasta. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor in every bite. The first time I made this, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients came together to create something that tasted straight out of a restaurant. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this dish because it’s creamy, garlicky, and incredibly comforting. The sauce clings perfectly to the spirals of rotini, while the chicken adds heartiness and protein. The buttery garlic base combined with Parmesan gives the sauce a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. It’s a family favorite that takes under 40 minutes from start to finish—easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce – Rich, Savory & Comforting
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, indulgent one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Packed with flavor and comfort, it’s an easy yet elegant meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 lb rotini pasta (about 3 cups, uncooked)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked rotini pasta directly into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella, if using) until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce — pre-shredded cheese may clump.
- Substitute rotini with penne, farfalle, or fettuccine if desired.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rotini Pasta: The perfect shape to hold all that creamy Parmesan sauce.
Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Butter: Adds richness and forms the base of the sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with deep, savory flavor.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: The star of the sauce—nutty, salty, and perfectly melty.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken until golden.
Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs and enhances the flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: For perfect seasoning.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Directions
Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked rotini to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and toss lightly in the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach and Mushroom Addition: Stir in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a touch of heat.
Lemon Garlic Twist: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of juice for a bright flavor.
Bacon Parmesan Pasta: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky richness.
Four-Cheese Sauce: Blend Parmesan with mozzarella, asiago, and fontina.
Broccoli Alfredo: Stir in blanched broccoli florets for a balanced meal.
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Herb Lovers’ Delight: Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to elevate the aroma.
Grilled Chicken Variation: Use grilled chicken slices for a smoky finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fettuccine, or farfalle work perfectly too.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add a bit more Parmesan for thickness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine before serving.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or cream and stir gently over low heat.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—it’s a great shortcut for quick dinners.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check labels on your broth and cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or peas are great additions.
Why did my sauce separate?
Overheating can cause the cream to split—keep the heat on low once you add the cream.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect balance of rich, savory, and satisfying flavors. The buttery garlic sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly coated pasta make it a meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any night of the week. It’s comfort food at its finest—creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!