Nothing says weeknight comfort quite like a cheesy pasta dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken delivers everything you want in a hearty meal—melty cheese, tender pasta, and flavorful chicken bites that are juicy and golden. It’s a recipe built for ease and flavor, perfect for when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.

Picture golden garlic-parmesan chicken nestled beside creamy rotini noodles drenched in a cheddar blend, all finished with a touch of parsley and butter. The chicken is pan-seared to lock in the flavor, while the pasta soaks up every bit of cheesy goodness. It’s a family favorite that doubles as a crowd-pleaser when hosting.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Cheesy Rotini?

Rotini pasta is perfect here because its spiral shape catches every drop of sauce, but you can swap it for penne or shells if needed. Just keep the texture al dente so it holds up under all that luscious cheese.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Rotini Pasta – Its twisty shape is ideal for soaking up cheese sauces.

Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized cubes, these cook fast and stay juicy.

Olive Oil & Butter – For searing the chicken and enriching the sauce.

Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor in every bite.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth that elevates the chicken.

Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – The backbone of the creamy, melty sauce.

Heavy Cream – Adds body and silkiness to the cheese sauce.

Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika – These pantry spices give the chicken a crave-worthy crust.

Fresh Parsley – For a bright finish that cuts through the richness.

How To Make the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Boil the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Toss the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rotini into the sauce and toss to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavor.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon the cheesy rotini onto a serving platter. Add the seared garlic parmesan chicken alongside or mixed in. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serve this pasta dish hot, straight off the stove, with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables for a more rounded meal.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, shells, or even bowties work great—just make sure to cook them al dente.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes richer in this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the pasta and chicken separate and combine them with the sauce when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Whole milk or half-and-half will work, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

How spicy is the paprika in this recipe?

It adds a gentle warmth, not heat. Feel free to swap it for smoked paprika for extra depth.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli are great add-ins.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken, here are more easy and comforting recipes to try:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam Pinterest

Let me know in the comments if you gave this dish a try! Did you add any extra cheese or sneak in some veggies? I love seeing how others customize their dinners.

Questions? Drop them below and let’s keep the dinner inspiration flowing.

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Easy Pasta Dinner

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comfort food dream come true. Tender rotini pasta coated in a silky cheddar-Parmesan sauce, served with golden seared chicken pieces infused with garlic and spices. It’s easy, family-friendly, and full of bold flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday cravings.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.

5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

6. Add the cooked rotini to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

7. Return the chicken to the pan or serve on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.