Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is what comfort food dreams are made of. Golden-seared chicken, coated in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente rotini—this dish is full of cozy, buttery, garlicky goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough for guests (or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday).
Ingredients
For the chicken and pasta:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 tenderloins)
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12 oz rotini pasta
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3 tbsp butter, divided
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt (or to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If using thick chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally for quicker, even cooking.
Boil rotini in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it helps adjust the sauce later.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter with olive oil. Add the chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (but not browned). Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Slice the chicken if desired, then return it to the skillet. Add the cooked rotini and toss gently to coat everything in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Let it all simmer together for 2 minutes so the flavors blend.
Top with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot and dig into pure comfort.
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
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Don’t skip the pasta water—a splash can make your sauce silky and restaurant-worthy.
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Slice the chicken before serving for prettier presentation and easier eating.
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Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli if you want to sneak in some greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25