Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that I love making when I want something rich, satisfying, and full of bold, creamy flavor. Tender chunks of chicken are seared in garlic butter, then tossed with rotini pasta and coated in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. It’s a cozy weeknight dinner that always leaves me going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish comes together so easily, yet feels indulgent enough for a special occasion. The rotini holds onto every bit of the creamy sauce, and the combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan is just unbeatable. It’s a complete meal in one skillet, and it’s endlessly customizable depending on what I have on hand. Whether I’m feeding the family or just craving something creamy and garlicky, this recipe always hits the spot.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Rotini pasta

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Grated parmesan cheese

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear the pieces until golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I add a bit more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. I let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

5. I stir in the grated parmesan cheese, then add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. I toss everything to coat it evenly in the sauce.

6. I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, making it ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra texture and flavor. I’ve also swapped rotini for penne, fusilli, or fettuccine depending on what I have in the pantry. When I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a spicier kick, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce can separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time. I just skip the searing step and add it into the sauce to warm through before mixing with the pasta.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I like rotini because it holds onto the sauce well, but penne, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta work just as well.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes, I’ve used half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. It won’t be as rich, but it still tastes great.

What cheese is best for the sauce?

Freshly grated parmesan melts the best and gives the richest flavor. I avoid pre-shredded varieties since they don’t melt as smoothly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh, but it does reheat well. I sometimes cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then just make the sauce and combine everything when I’m ready to serve.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, satisfying meal I keep coming back to. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but luxurious enough to serve guests. I love how the sauce clings to every bite of pasta, and the garlicky butter flavor makes the whole dish irresistibly comforting. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a family dinner, this pasta never fails to please.