Description
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both indulgent and easy? This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect comfort meal. Tender chunks of garlic-parmesan seasoned chicken are paired with rotini pasta and smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Ideal for busy nights, picky eaters, or when you just need a no-fuss, satisfying plate of food. This recipe fits beautifully into your list of easy dinner ideas, quick pasta recipes, and family food ideas. Make it once, and it’ll be in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
340g rotini pasta
450g boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic parmesan seasoning
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil and garlic parmesan seasoning. Let sit for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook chicken for 6–8 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella, whisking until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked rotini into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta. Add a splash of pasta water or milk if the sauce is too thick.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan or serve it over the cheesy rotini.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining—it helps adjust the sauce texture.
Warm the cream slightly before adding to the pan to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta recipes, garlic parmesan chicken, quick weeknight meal