Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together easily? Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken seasoned with herbs, nestled next to spirals of rotini coated in a velvety parmesan sauce. That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce delivers.

This dish checks all the boxes: comforting, full of flavor, and irresistibly creamy. The garlic butter base enhances the chicken while the rotini pasta soaks up the luscious parmesan sauce, creating a harmony of taste and texture. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or even as a meal prep option that reheats beautifully.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the best in this recipe, you’ll want to gather a few kitchen essentials:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-bottom Pan: Crucial for achieving that golden crust on the chicken while evenly distributing heat.
Large Saucepan or Pasta Pot: Rotini needs room to swirl and cook without clumping.
Tongs or a Silicone Spatula: Makes flipping the chicken and mixing the pasta with the sauce much easier.
Microplane or Cheese Grater: Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and tastes sharper.
Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently without losing any down the sink.

Each tool adds to the flow of the process, helping you multitask smoothly while enhancing the textures and flavors of the dish.

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

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless cuts work best. They’re the star protein and soak up the garlic butter.
Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape traps the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
Garlic (freshly minced): Essential for building the bold, aromatic butter base.
Butter: Adds depth and richness, coating the chicken and infusing flavor.
Heavy Cream: Forms the creamy body of the parmesan sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, it melts into the cream to create a luxurious texture.
Italian Seasoning: Lends herbaceous notes that complement both the chicken and sauce.
Salt and Pepper: For balance and flavor elevation.
Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh for garnish and a burst of color.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a hot skillet with butter, sear each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Boil the Rotini

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook rotini until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and then drain.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add more butter and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in grated parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Adjust with pasta water for desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained rotini into the sauce, coating every spiral. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Slice the seared chicken and arrange it beside the creamy rotini. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve and Store This Dish

This dish shines when served hot, straight from the skillet. For presentation, place the sliced garlic butter chicken on one half of the plate and the creamy rotini on the other. Add a fresh parsley garnish or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for a polished finish.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

To freeze, store components separately. The chicken freezes well; pasta can be frozen but may lose some texture. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work well, as long as the shape holds sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just keep the pasta and chicken separate until serving.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Shrimp or turkey cutlets are great substitutes if you want variety.

Is it possible to make it low-carb?

Try using spiralized zucchini or low-carb pasta alternatives with the same sauce and chicken.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free parmesan substitute. The result will be slightly different but still tasty.

Want More Chicken Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which layers flavor in a spicy, creamy format. Or for a lighter option, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offers the same flavor base in a compact, prep-friendly version.

Craving more baked pasta goodness? The Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti brings a different cheesy twist. You can also switch it up with a fusion of flavors in the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta.

For even more cozy dinner ideas, take a look at Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It leans on spice and richness in just the right balance.

And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, head over to my Pinterest @LadyPlate where I share my latest daily recipes and twists on comfort classics.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food or pasta night boards for later. Just hit the Pin button.

If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you switch up the seasoning? Add veggies? Let me know in the comments—I’m always curious about how others make it their own.