I’ve always been a fan of comfort food that feels both indulgent and made with love—and this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce absolutely delivers. I made this recipe on a rainy Sunday evening, craving something hearty but also full of flavor. The buttery, golden chicken pairs perfectly with the cheesy rotini pasta, making every bite feel like a warm hug.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—juicy chicken breasts seasoned to perfection, seared until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served alongside rotini pasta drenched in a velvety, garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s rich but not overwhelming, satisfying without being heavy, and it comes together faster than you’d expect.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Ultimate comfort food: This dish is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and savory garlic butter flavor.
Weeknight-friendly: It’s quick to prep and cook, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Balanced textures: Crispy seared chicken with creamy pasta creates a crave-worthy contrast.
Customizable: You can spice it up, lighten it down, or swap ingredients with ease.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters fall for the rich parmesan sauce and juicy chicken.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. They cook quickly, hold seasoning beautifully, and slice cleanly for plating. However, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you prefer more tender, juicy cuts with a richer flavor. Whichever you choose, the key is to get a golden sear to lock in moisture and develop that irresistible crust.

You can also use pre-cut chicken tenders or even rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—just adjust your cooking accordingly to avoid drying it out.

Options for Substitutions

Making this dish your own is easy, and a few smart swaps won’t compromise the creamy, comforting result.

Pasta: Rotini is perfect because its spirals catch all that creamy sauce, but penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well.
Cheese: Parmesan is the star here, but you can mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness or sharp cheddar for a tangy twist.
Milk/Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce ultra-luxurious, but half-and-half or evaporated milk can lighten it up without losing the texture.
Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the salt levels in the final dish. You can even try ghee for a nuttier depth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.

This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to adjust it to what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs.

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

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
These are the main protein in the dish, providing a hearty, juicy bite that balances perfectly with the rich pasta.
Rotini Pasta
The spiral shape of rotini holds onto the creamy parmesan sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Butter
Used to sear the chicken and create the garlic butter base—it adds richness and depth to the whole dish.
Fresh Garlic
The star of the sauce, fresh garlic gives the entire dish a warm, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Heavy Cream
This creates the silky texture of the sauce, making it thick, luscious, and comforting.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Brings salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce while giving it that signature cheesy finish.
Olive Oil
Helps sear the chicken evenly and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce to enhance every bite.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs that gives the chicken an herby, aromatic coating.
Fresh Parsley (optional)
Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish with a touch of brightness.

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This helps develop a flavorful crust and seals in the juices.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest.

Step 3: Cook the Rotini

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add the rest of the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes before slowly stirring in the grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy parmesan sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Slice and Serve the Chicken

Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them on a large platter beside the creamy rotini. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Cooking this dish from start to finish takes about 35–40 minutes:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chicken cook time: 12–15 minutes
Pasta boil time: 8–10 minutes
Sauce prep and combine time: 5–7 minutes

Keep in mind, the chicken thickness may slightly alter the cook time. Always check that the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) for doneness.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Pound the chicken to even thickness before cooking. This ensures even searing and juicy centers.
Use fresh garlic, not jarred. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta. You want it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Reserve pasta water before draining. It’s liquid gold when it comes to adjusting the sauce texture.
Grate your own Parmesan if possible. Pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps the juices inside.
Stir sauce continuously while adding cheese to prevent clumping or sticking.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the seasoning step: Light seasoning won’t cut it—season both sides of the chicken well to build flavor from the start.
Cooking chicken on too high heat: You want golden, not burnt. Medium-high heat gives the best sear without overcooking.
Using cold cream: Bring the cream to room temp before adding it to the pan to prevent curdling.
Adding cheese too fast: Dumping it all in at once may cause clumps. Add it gradually and stir constantly.
Forgetting to save pasta water: That splash of starch-rich liquid can rescue a sauce that’s too thick or gluey.
Not resting the chicken: Cutting too soon leads to dry meat. Give it a few minutes to lock in juices.
Overcrowding the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to get that nice sear instead of steaming.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini?

Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last drop of that rich parmesan sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and creamy dressing cut through the richness of the dish.

Steamed Broccoli

A healthy, vibrant side that adds balance and color to your plate.

A Glass of Chardonnay

Its buttery, oaky notes pair beautifully with creamy dishes like this one.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil lighten the meal with a fresh, bright contrast.

Roasted Asparagus

Seasoned with a bit of lemon zest, it’s a simple, elegant veggie side.

Lemon-Butter Green Beans

Add a citrusy pop that complements the garlic and cheese in the main dish.

Marinated Olives or Antipasto

Great as a starter or side, especially if you’re serving guests.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), they store well and reheat beautifully with a little care.

Refrigerator: Store the pasta and chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezer: Not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed. But if you must, freeze for up to 1 month and reheat slowly with added cream or milk to bring it back together.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but do it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 480mg
Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of total recipe)

These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best if I don’t have rotini?

Penne, fusilli, or even farfalle (bow-tie) are great alternatives. Any pasta with grooves or shape will hold the sauce well.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour or cream cheese to help thicken it.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking or getting grainy?

Use room temperature cream, and add the cheese gradually over low heat while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling once the cheese is added.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all ingredients (especially broth, cheese, and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit more cream to loosen it up. Stir well and let it warm through.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower, and use vegetable broth if needed to build more flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s not spicy at all by default. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne during the seasoning step.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is everything I love in a comfort meal: rich, flavorful, and satisfying without being fussy. It’s a recipe that feels a little fancy but comes together with pantry staples and minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night at home, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that delivers every time. Give it a try—and don’t forget the garlic bread!