Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect blend of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and al dente pasta, all smothered in a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen, and it’s bound to become a new favorite!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan sauce is velvety smooth and packed with garlic and buttery goodness, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken is seasoned to perfection, cooked until golden brown, and remains juicy and flavorful throughout the dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Save time and effort with minimal cleanup. This recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly and Customizable: A dish that everyone will love, with easy options to adjust ingredients and spice levels.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a gourmet meal without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques. Impress your family or guests with this mouthwatering, creamy pasta dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions Step-by-Step

1. Season and Cook the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Season generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and just start to turn golden without getting too dark.
3. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, a little at a time, while continuously whisking to ensure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
4. Incorporate the Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend it with the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly to help it melt and incorporate smoothly. Continue to cook and stir for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked rotini pasta directly into the sauce, making sure the pasta is fully submerged. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the pasta simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Check for doneness by tasting a piece of pasta it should be tender yet slightly firm (al dente).
6. Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked to your desired texture, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces in the creamy sauce and pasta. Let the dish heat through for an additional 2 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
7. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini piping hot, garnished with more grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Time Breakdown

Step	Time
Preparing Chicken	5 mins
Cooking Chicken	7 mins
Sautéing Garlic	2 mins
Making Sauce	5 mins
Cooking Pasta	12 mins
Final Combination	2 mins
Total Time	33 mins

Calories per Serving

Approximately 550 calories per serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	28g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	750mg

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth if needed.
• Let the sauce thicken before adding pasta to avoid watery results.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
• Top with extra grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Variations and Customizations

• Swap rotini for penne or fusilli for a different texture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   • Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   • It’s not recommended due to the cream sauce separating.
4. What other pasta shapes can I use?
   • Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives.
5. How can I make it spicier?
   • Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a comfort food classic that combines creamy richness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table. Try it tonight and watch it become a family favorite.

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