Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Easy Pasta Dinner

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What if your weeknight dinner could feel like a cozy restaurant meal without the effort? Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your answer. Creamy, cheesy spirals of pasta meet juicy, golden-seared chicken bites coated in garlic butter and Parmesan—a combo that balances indulgent comfort with bold flavor.

This dish is a family-style winner, perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty, simple, and ridiculously satisfying. It takes under an hour and uses easy pantry staples, but the flavors come out tasting like you spent all afternoon perfecting them.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken, a few key tools will make your life easier:

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling the rotini evenly without sticking. Choose a deep pot so your pasta has room to cook properly.
• Nonstick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: A good skillet ensures the chicken browns beautifully and gets that crisp edge without sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for seasoning and tossing chicken chunks before cooking.
• Colander: For draining pasta. It prevents overcooking and keeps the rotini from turning mushy.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the cheesy sauce without scratching your pans.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and gives stronger flavor than pre-grated.

Having these basics at hand not only speeds up your prep but guarantees texture and taste that hit the mark.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Each ingredient here plays a flavorful role, bringing richness, balance, and texture to the dish:

• Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for catching creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
• Chicken Breasts (or thighs): Lean protein that sears well and holds up to the garlicky Parmesan coating.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Garlic (minced): Aromatic base that brings warmth and flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and combines with garlic for a silky finish.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Builds the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar gives depth; mozzarella brings the ooze.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Sharp, nutty flavor and crispness for the chicken.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning.
• Parsley (fresh or dried): Optional, but adds brightness and color to finish.

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How To Make the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a hot skillet with olive oil, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Cheese Sauce

Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir until slightly thickened. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Thin out with a bit of reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Toss the rotini into the cheese sauce, stir gently to coat. Fold in the seared chicken. Sprinkle with more Parmesan and parsley.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the chicken is warm. Optionally, broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden top.

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Serving and Storing This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve this pasta hot and fresh from the skillet. It pairs well with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. For a little extra indulgence, add garlic bread on the side.

Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s texture. This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream-based sauce, so enjoy it within the week for best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with paprika and cayenne for extra heat.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta work just as well. Just go with something that holds onto the sauce.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it at the end to warm through. You won’t get the same seared texture, but it still tastes great.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk (thickened with a bit of flour), or even evaporated milk as a lighter option.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or mushrooms and use vegetable broth in the sauce if needed.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly. Freshly grated cheese helps avoid grainy texture.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved the comfort and creaminess of this pasta, here are more dishes from LadyPlate you might enjoy:

Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, where tender beef meets creamy sauce in a bowtie pasta twist.

The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe brings heat and heartiness layered into every bite.

You’ll also love the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a similar garlic-forward profile with beefy richness.

For a comforting and cheesy one-dish option, check out the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese.

Or get a little bold with the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta for a fiery kick to your creamy cravings.

For even more inspiration, browse my full collection on Pinterest: LadyPlate Recipes on Pinterest

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try different cheeses? Did you toss in broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others serve and personalize it.

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