There’s something magical about creamy pasta dishes, especially when they bring together the perfect blend of garlic, butter, and cheese. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini with Parmesan Sauce is the definition of indulgent comfort food — a recipe that not only satisfies your craving for hearty flavor but also brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a luxurious one-pan meal that doesn’t require a mountain of cleanup, this chicken rotini recipe has got you covered.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, how to prepare it flawlessly, and how you can customize it to suit your personal taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich & Creamy: The sauce is a luscious blend of garlic butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan.
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Easy to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes and only one skillet required for the sauce and chicken.
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Customizable: Swap proteins, add vegetables, or switch pasta types.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the cheesy pasta, adults appreciate the layered flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown (US Measurements)
Let’s break down the ingredients with exact US cup measurements so you can shop and prep easily:
Pasta & Chicken
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12 oz rotini pasta (about 3 cups cooked)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb), cut into bite-sized cubes
Fat & Seasonings
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided into 1 Tbsp + 2 Tbsp)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce Base
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Garnish
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set both aside.
Tip: Reserved pasta water is full of starch and helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silkier texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, cube the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Optional Variation: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey breast, or even plant-based “chicken” strips for dietary flexibility.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean), reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant — be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Tip: A gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, prevents the cream from curdling.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Turn the heat to low and slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to help it melt smoothly into the sauce. If you’re using shredded mozzarella, add it now as well for extra creaminess and a slight stretch to the texture.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the creamy sauce. Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet as well, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated.
If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water — 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time — until the desired consistency is reached.
Chef’s Note: The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so leaving it slightly saucy is ideal.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is warmed through and well combined, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve hot directly from the skillet or plate it beautifully with an extra touch of Parmesan on top.
Estimated Prep & Nutrition Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Calories per Serving: ~550 kcal
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Protein: ~32g
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Carbohydrates: ~42g
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Fat: ~28g
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Rotini
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Stop just short of fully soft.
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Use Fresh Garlic and Cheese: These make all the difference in flavor and meltability.
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Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking the chicken, give it a minute to rest before returning it to the sauce to lock in juices.
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Try it Baked: Transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
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Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This creamy garlic butter rotini is incredibly flexible. You can tailor it based on what you have in the fridge or your own flavor preferences.
Add Vegetables:
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Sautéed mushrooms
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Spinach (stirred in at the end to wilt)
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Roasted cherry tomatoes
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Steamed broccoli
Switch the Protein:
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Grilled shrimp
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Seared scallops
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Italian sausage
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Tofu or tempeh (for vegetarians)
Use a Different Pasta:
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Penne
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Fusilli
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Farfalle
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Gluten-free rotini
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate:
Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat:
Warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing (Not Recommended):
Due to the dairy content, the sauce may separate when thawed. If you still choose to freeze, be sure to reheat slowly and stir well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a complete meal or pair it with light sides such as:
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted asparagus or green beans
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Garlic bread or buttery rolls
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A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini with Parmesan Sauce is not just a recipe — it’s a reminder that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special. With just a handful of everyday pantry staples and under 30 minutes of effort, you can have a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers big on flavor, ease, and comfort. It’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.