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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a rich and comforting dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce enriched with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family. The velvety texture and savory flavors make it a go-to comfort meal that’s easily customizable with veggies, protein swaps, or dietary adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini pasta

Sauces & Dairy

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
  4. Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine All Components: Add the cooked chicken and rotini back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  6. Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color before serving immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh cheese melts better and offers superior flavor compared to pre-grated powder.
  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until done to prevent dryness; carryover heat will keep it juicy.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Helps loosen sauce and create the perfect silky texture when combined with cheese.
  • Low and Slow for Sauce: Keep the heat moderate to avoid curdling the cream or burning the garlic.
  • Add Herbs Last: Fresh herbs like parsley are best sprinkled at the end to preserve their bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, rotini recipe, parmesan sauce, weeknight dinner, comforting meal, creamy pasta, gluten free pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-rotini-in-parmesan-sauce/