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.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente helps hold the sauce better.
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier texture.
If reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce without drying it out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Cheesy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan, rotini