Juicy, golden-seared chicken and perfectly cooked rotini coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce—this is comfort food at its finest. Every bite bursts with the buttery aroma of garlic, balanced by the nutty, salty notes of Parmesan cheese. The tender pasta soaks up the silky sauce, making it a complete meal that feels indulgent yet homely.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also elegant enough for special occasions, especially when paired with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The best part? You can prepare it all in under 40 minutes.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Parmesan Sauce?

Short pasta shapes such as rotini, fusilli, or penne are perfect for holding the creamy Parmesan sauce. Their ridges and twists cling to every bit of flavor, ensuring a satisfying bite each time. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work beautifully if you’re looking for a lighter option.

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

Chicken breasts – Lean and tender, forming the protein base of the dish.
Olive oil & butter – For golden searing and richness.
Garlic – Fresh cloves for aromatic depth.
Rotini pasta – Spiral-shaped to trap creamy sauce.
Heavy cream – Gives the sauce its velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth.
Chicken broth – Enhances savory flavor.
Parsley – Freshly chopped for color and freshness.
Salt & pepper – To balance and season.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil and butter for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rotini

Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Melt remaining butter in the skillet, add garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Stir in chicken broth, then heavy cream, and simmer gently. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Top pasta with sliced chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Serving and Storing

Serve hot with garlic bread or salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, add at the end to avoid drying it out.
Is there a substitute for rotini? Try fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
How can I add vegetables? Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli.
Can I freeze it? Not recommended—cream sauces may separate.

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

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

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Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal—juicy, golden-seared chicken paired with perfectly cooked rotini tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions.