Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is everything comfort food dreams are made of. Tender bites of seared chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, paired with perfectly cooked rotini and a lush Parmesan cream that hugs every twist and turn of the pasta. It’s the kind of dish you make on a chilly evening, where every forkful brings warmth and satisfaction.

What makes this pasta so irresistible is how balanced each component is. The garlic adds a mellow heat, the butter gives the sauce silkiness, and the Parmesan infuses it with nutty depth. And then there’s the rotini, designed to catch all that creamy goodness in every groove. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making something special for yourself, this meal hits the spot without requiring a culinary degree.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

You’re going to adore how indulgent yet approachable this recipe is. It comes together in under an hour, uses pantry staples, and transforms them into something that feels gourmet. Each element shines—the crispy seared chicken, the fragrant garlic, the melting Parmesan, and the pillowy rotini all combine into a symphony of flavor. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, rotini is especially great here because of its spiral ridges that grab onto the sauce so well. If you’re out of rotini, penne or fusilli are also great alternatives. The goal is to use a shape that allows the creamy sauce and chicken bits to nestle into every bite. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which don’t hold the sauce as well in this particular dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

The ingredients in this recipe are simple, everyday items that come together to make a restaurant-worthy dish. What matters most here is the quality of your staples—use fresh garlic, real butter, and good Parmesan for the best flavor. Everything else falls into place with ease.

• Rotini pasta – Holds onto the sauce beautifully with its spiral shape.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking.
• Salt and black pepper – Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the dish throughout.
• Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a golden brown and adds richness.
• Unsalted butter – The heart of the sauce, giving it that velvety texture and indulgent flavor.
• Fresh garlic cloves – Infuses the dish with its deep, unmistakable aroma and warmth.
• Heavy cream – Creates the luscious base of the Parmesan sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated, this is what ties the sauce together with its salty, nutty bite.
• Chicken broth – Adds savory depth and helps loosen the sauce without watering it down.
• Fresh parsley – Brightens up the whole dish at the end with a burst of color and freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later if needed to thin the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Once warm, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked rotini and toss until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra Parmesan for a richer finish.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

This dish is best served fresh off the stove when the sauce is at its silkiest and the pasta has soaked in all the savory goodness. Serve it in shallow bowls to let the sauce pool at the bottom, perfect for scooping up with each bite. A light dusting of extra Parmesan and a few parsley leaves on top make it dinner-party worthy.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce as it thickens in the fridge. Warm it gently over the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through to keep the texture smooth.

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, making it great for a small family dinner or meal prep for a few days.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce?

Garlic Bread

A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick for this creamy pasta. It’s great for swiping up every last bit of sauce.

Steamed Broccoli

The mild bitterness of broccoli balances the rich creaminess of the dish. Steam it simply and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons add contrast and freshness to your meal.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and a little crunch.

Simple Arugula Salad

Tossed with olive oil, lemon, and shaved Parmesan, it’s a peppery and refreshing pairing.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These add a sweet-tangy element that plays nicely with the garlicky chicken.

White Wine

A crisp glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the sauce.

Sauteed Spinach

Mild, quick-cooked spinach with a hint of garlic gives a nutrient-packed, earthy side to round out the plate.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce has you swooning, then you’ll want to check out these equally satisfying dishes from Luna Meals:

• Try the Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky, creamy twist with bold flavor. Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Our Creamy Mushroom Ravioli is perfect if you’re after a meatless option packed with earthy richness. Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• Craving something with spice? The Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings the heat and comfort all in one. Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
• For something heartier, don’t miss the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Or switch up your carb with the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. It’s indulgent and just a bit wild. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

I’d love to hear how your version turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic or toss in a bit of spinach? Maybe you used penne instead of rotini? Whatever your twist, drop a comment and let’s talk food.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meal recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover more weeknight favorites to love.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the kind of meal that brings people to the table fast and leaves them asking for seconds. It’s decadent yet simple, satisfying yet quick enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re making it for your family or just treating yourself, this is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. Happy cooking!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?