Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan! It’s one of those dishes that wraps you up in a big, warm hug after a long day. Picture this: perfectly cooked rotini pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with tender, juicy chicken pieces mixed in, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I first made this on a chilly evening when I craved something cozy, and wow, it instantly became a weeknight favorite! The rich flavors dance together so beautifully, and it’s just so satisfying to eat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I’m excited to share my secrets with you!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini Parmesan
Cooking the Rotini Pasta
Let’s start with the rotini pasta, which is the heart of this dish! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. You want it nice and bubbly! Once it’s boiling, add in that 1 lb of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; we want that starch to help the sauce cling later!
Preparing the Chicken
Now, let’s move on to the chicken. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced chicken breast—make sure it’s evenly spread out in the pan. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. This step is crucial; that beautiful color adds so much flavor, trust me!
Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
Time for the magic sauce! Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!). Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it melts into that creamy goodness. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and luscious!
Combining the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rotini pasta right into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that dreamy garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t be shy with it! Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and voila! You’ve got yourself a plate of creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about a few tips that’ll make your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan absolutely perfect! First off, if you want to amp up the flavor, consider using grilled chicken instead of just sautéing it. The smoky notes from grilling really elevate the dish and add a nice depth.
Now, if you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t be afraid to adjust the garlic levels! You can add a little more or even roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, milder flavor. Just remember to taste as you go, so you get it just right.
Also, this dish is best served immediately for that creamy, dreamy texture. If you have to make it ahead of time, just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. When you reheat, add a splash of cream to loosen it up and bring back that luscious consistency.
Lastly, don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish beautifully. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is my go-to for this dish because its twists hold onto the creamy sauce so well, you can certainly swap it out for other pasta types. Penne or fusilli would work wonderfully, too! Just keep in mind that different shapes may slightly alter the overall texture, but it’ll still be delicious. Just cook according to their package instructions, and you’ll be golden!
How can I make this dish lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are a few simple swaps you can make. First, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier option. You can also replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for that creamy texture with fewer calories. And don’t forget to load up on veggies! Toss in some spinach or broccoli for a fresh twist that adds nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can! This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, combine them in a skillet and heat gently. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it up and bring back that creamy goodness. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to keep those components separate until it’s time to serve!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For one serving of creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan, you can expect around 550 calories, with about 30g of fat and 30g of protein. It also has around 45g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar. If you’re watching your sodium intake, this dish contains approximately 600mg per serving. It’s always a good idea to check your specific ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information. Enjoy this delicious meal without the worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, rich butter, and parmesan creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every twist of the rotini.
- Comforting Goodness: With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste—add veggies, switch up the protein, or play with the garlic levels!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.
- Leftovers Galore: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy the creamy goodness again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan left (which I’m sure won’t happen often, but just in case!), you’ll want to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep that creamy goodness from drying out!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend reheating them gently. The best method is to place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of pasta water to loosen it up and keep that luscious texture. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through—this way, you’ll avoid any rubbery chicken or clumpy sauce. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but do so in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. Trust me, taking a little extra time to reheat pays off with that creamy, dreamy flavor coming back to life!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini Parmesan Bliss Unleashed
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Creamy garlic butter chicken rotini with parmesan is a comforting pasta dish. It combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use grilled chicken for extra flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan
