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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a quick and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente rotini pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or to impress guests with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Pasta

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasoning & Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Rotini Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly.
  4. Add Parmesan and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency as desired.
  5. Mix Chicken, Rotini and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, then add the drained rotini pasta. Toss gently to evenly coat the chicken and pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; freshly minced garlic provides a deeper taste than pre-minced.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese to ensure optimal melting and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness while keeping it silky smooth.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent cream from curdling or separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken, Rotini, Parmesan Sauce, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food, Italian-American, Weeknight Dinner