The aroma of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce fills the air, inviting you into a world where comfort food reigns supreme. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a velvety sauce that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds, while perfectly cooked rotini curls up like little pasta hugs on your plate. Cheesy chicken and broccoli goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm embrace after a long day. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, this creamy delight steals the show and leaves everyone craving another serving. Twisted classic macaroni salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The rich flavors will delight your taste buds while its visual appeal makes it perfect for entertaining guests
- It’s versatile enough to customize with vegetables or protein variations based on your preferences
- Plus, who doesn’t love a decadent garlic butter sauce?
My friends still rave about the time I made this dish for our game night. They were so enamored that they forgot all about the score!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness; don’t skimp, your taste buds will thank you.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese offers superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Rotini Pasta: Its corkscrew shape holds sauces beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition; toss it in during the final moments of cooking.
- Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter until bubbly and fragrant.
Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The kitchen should smell heavenly right now.
Add Garlic and Cream: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In that same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant before pouring in heavy cream for that luscious sauce.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined smoothly with the cream. Taste it, if you’re not swooning already, you might need a pinch more salt.
Cook the Rotini Pasta: While you’re working on that sauce magic, boil rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well but save a bit of pasta water to adjust your sauce if needed later.
Toss Everything Together: Add cooked rotini back into your creamy garlic butter sauce along with sliced chicken. Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken Toss everything together until well coated. If it’s too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve that desired creaminess.
Now all that’s left is to serve this beauty! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy every bite!
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce will become a staple at your dinner table! Delicious chicken alfredo puffs.
You Must Know
- Cooking this creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in parmesan sauce is like giving your taste buds a warm hug
- The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?” Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then cook the rotini while preparing the luxurious sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes at the same time, keeping your meal fresh and hot.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the rotini for any pasta you love or add vegetables like spinach for extra greens. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to maintain that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When marinating the chicken, let it soak for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor
- Always taste your sauce before serving; you might want extra cheese!
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotini or chicken
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone fought over who got the last bite of creamy goodness. Those moments are priceless.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with penne, fusilli, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. Each pasta shape offers a unique texture and will hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter version. Adding more vegetables or using whole wheat pasta will also boost its nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.
How can I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Brining your chicken beforehand will help lock in moisture and flavor. Also, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy results every time.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. This dish features tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with rotini pasta that hugs every bite. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it promises to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly.
- Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese until melted into the cream. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook rotini according to package instructions; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Return rotini to the skillet along with sliced chicken; mix until well-coated, adding reserved pasta water if too thick.
- Serve garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
