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

Hey there, food lovers! Are you craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta dish that’s also quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is your new weeknight go-to. Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked rotini, coated in a rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce, with tender chunks of garlic butter chicken nestled throughout. The taste? Pure heaven! It’s a symphony of flavors – the savory chicken, the pungent garlic, the sharp Parmesan, and the subtle sweetness of the butter, all blending beautifully together. The texture? Creamy, satisfying, and delightfully al dente.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. You won’t need a culinary degree or a mountain of exotic ingredients to whip this up. It’s incredibly friendly, even for beginner cooks, and comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish evokes a feeling of warmth and coziness; it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book or movie and just savor every bite. So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to experience the ultimate taste and texture sensation – your taste buds will thank you!

What You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s get acquainted with our star players:

12 oz rotini pasta: The perfect spiral shape captures the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show! Look for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a delightful stretch and extra creaminess to the sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a luscious sauce.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Choose high-quality chicken for the best results. Cubing them ensures even cooking.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend that complements the other flavors perfectly. You can easily substitute with oregano, basil, and thyme.
2 tablespoons garlic butter (or a mix of butter with garlic powder): The secret weapon for incredible garlic flavor. You can use store-bought garlic butter or easily make your own by mixing softened butter with garlic powder.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly easy, even for those new to the kitchen. Follow these steps for a perfect creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini dish:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the best texture.
Cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Make the sauce: Add the garlic butter to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute, until the butter is melted and fragrant. Tip: If using homemade garlic butter, make sure your butter is softened to easily mix with the garlic powder for better flavor distribution.
Combine everything: Stir in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the pasta: Add the drained rotini to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Tip: Work quickly to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a resounding success:

Use fresh Parmesan cheese: The flavor difference is significant! Freshly grated Parmesan has a much more intense and nuanced flavor than pre-grated.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just cooked through and still slightly juicy.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. This is especially true for the cheese and chicken.
Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the pasta. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few exciting variations to try:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Creamy Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, roasted vegetables, or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rotini pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce watery. Freezing is possible, but the texture may slightly change upon thawing. Freeze in portions for easy reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some questions you might have about this recipe:

Q: Can I substitute the chicken broth? A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor will be slightly different. Chicken broth adds a depth of savory flavor that other liquids might not replicate.
Q: How long does the dish keep in the refrigerator? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use different pasta? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use other short pasta shapes, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
Q: Can I add other vegetables? A: Yes! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and texture.
Q: What if my sauce is too thick? A: Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

The Final Word

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food – it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by this delicious and satisfying dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Rate the recipe and share your culinary experience with others. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Servings 4

Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients

– 12 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 2 tablespoons garlic butter or a mix of butter with garlic powder

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta. In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the garlic butter. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet, seasoning them with Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Lower the heat, and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt, creating a creamy sauce.
Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until well combined and bubbly.
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich cheese sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Nutritional Information:
Estimated servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 510
Protein: 38g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fat: 21g