Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a creamy chicken pasta dinner, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce hits every mark. It’s rich, silky, and garlicky, packed with juicy chicken pieces and tender rotini, all wrapped up in a luscious parmesan cream sauce that clings to every spiral of pasta.
This dish brings the warmth of home-cooked comfort food with just enough elegance to impress guests. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or serving it at your next gathering, the blend of garlic butter, parmesan, and tender pasta is bound to be a winner on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini
It’s a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dinner with minimal effort. The garlic butter infuses the chicken and sauce with deep flavor, and the rotini soaks up every bit of creamy goodness. Best of all, it’s quick enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for a weekend treat.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For the juiciest and most flavorful result, boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal. They remain tender and flavorful throughout cooking. However, chicken breasts also work beautifully if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep things juicy and tender.
Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
To make this dish truly sing, it’s important to use quality ingredients that complement each other. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make this pasta irresistible.
- Rotini pasta: Its twisted shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: They provide the protein and are cooked in garlic butter to soak up that rich flavor.
- Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, giving it richness and depth.
- Garlic: Adds warmth and aromatic punch that defines the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the creamy texture of the sauce, making it velvety and smooth.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and umami, thickening the sauce naturally as it melts.
- Chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce slightly and adds savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Parsley (optional): Adds freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn. This is the flavor base of your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked rotini. Mix everything well so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.
Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini
This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet. It makes enough to feed 4 generous portions, making it perfect for a small family meal or a cozy dinner with friends.
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and bring it back to life. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini?
Garlic Bread
A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Warm, crusty, and buttery—what more could you ask for?
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, and a creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Slightly charred and seasoned broccoli adds a hint of bitterness that balances out the creamy pasta.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Sweet and tangy sprouts pair wonderfully with the buttery garlic flavors of the dish.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze lighten up the meal.
Sautéed Spinach
Quick and easy, this green veggie adds a dose of nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
White Wine
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio makes an elegant pairing.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing glass of lemon sparkling water cleanses the palate perfectly.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce, you’re going to want to explore these other cozy, flavor-packed meals:
• Try the comforting Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a creamy twist with smoky sausage.
• Looking for more chicken dinners? Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, veggie-packed favorite.
• For something with a kick, don’t miss the Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe — perfect for spice lovers.
• Keep it hearty and cheesy with this Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe that pairs beautifully with this one.
• And if you’re craving seafood, the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna will absolutely hit the spot.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the chicken for shrimp? Or maybe added mushrooms or spinach to the sauce? I love hearing your creative twists.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next must-make recipe!
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate go-to when you want something rich, easy, and soul-satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it delivers a luxurious dinner experience any night of the week. Whether you’re indulging solo or serving to impress, this pasta dish won’t let you down.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is an easy, rich pasta dinner made with tender chicken, garlic butter, parmesan, and cream. This one-pan pasta dish is perfect for weeknights or indulgent comfort food cravings. If you’re searching for garlic butter chicken pasta or creamy rotini pasta recipes, this will be your new favorite!
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in grated parmesan and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked rotini. Toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
Add a handful of spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.
For reheating leftovers, use a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 145mg