Few dishes bring comfort like a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta — and this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini delivers just that. Juicy golden chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce come together to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The combination of buttery garlic flavor, tender chicken, and creamy sauce guarantees you’ll want seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Let’s walk through this delicious recipe step-by-step — easy, satisfying, and full of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy: The velvety Parmesan-garlic sauce is pure comfort food perfection.
- Family-friendly: Everyone — kids and adults alike — will love it.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Restaurant-quality: Tastes like something you’d order out, but made at home for less.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) heavy cream
- 100 ml (½ cup) chicken broth
- 80 g (¾ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
For the Pasta
- 300 g (10.5 oz) rotini pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente — firm to the bite.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water — it’s liquid gold that helps thicken and loosen your sauce later. Drain the rest and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet — those browned bits at the bottom are full of flavor.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds to form a smooth roux — this will help the sauce thicken beautifully.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth.
Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a hint of spice).
Taste the sauce — if it feels too thick, thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the rotini pasta.
Toss everything gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
If needed, add a bit more pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency — creamy and glossy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Top with extra Parmesan because, let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and watch it disappear in minutes!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked (al dente) pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up the flavor.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a richer, more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.
- Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated gives a silkier sauce.
- Add greens: Toss in spinach or kale at the end for a nutrition boost.
- Make it a full meal: Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for the ultimate comfort dinner.
Flavor Variations
- Mushroom Cream Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch.
- Cajun Style: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern flavor.
- Bacon Lovers’ Twist: Stir in crispy bacon bits just before serving for a smoky crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
- Caesar Salad for a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for balance.
It’s also perfect for meal prep — the sauce stays creamy even after reheating!
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Freeze: Not recommended — the cream sauce can separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or bowties all work beautifully — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Cook everything except the pasta, then combine just before serving to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of hot sauce for a bolder kick.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is the definition of comfort food — rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a dish everyone will fall in love with.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a comforting homemade meal, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction in every bite.
Serve it hot, topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, and enjoy the irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and golden chicken perfection.