Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is your new weeknight favorite—juicy seared chicken, twirly pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce all in one skillet. Easy, indulgent, and ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy families or when you just want some cheesy comfort.
Ingredients
1½ lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, halved or sliced
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp butter (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Slice breasts in half for even cooking.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Add Cream & Cheese: Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Combine: Return chicken and rotini to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Simmer 2 more minutes to blend flavors.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
You can sub half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for next-day lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 635 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg