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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious garlic butter parmesan sauce. This rich and creamy meal is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, delivering indulgent flavors with minimal effort. The sauce combines fresh garlic, butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan for a velvety coating that clings beautifully to the spiral-shaped pasta, while the juicy chicken adds satisfying protein. Garnished with fresh parsley and customizable with various swaps or additions, this recipe offers a versatile and delicious family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring frequently as the mixture simmers and thickens slightly.
  4. Add Cheese and Combine: Gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, forming a creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked rotini and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook the chicken; cook until just done and allow it to rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Sauté garlic on low to medium heat to prevent bitterness and to release aroma.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more cream or cheese for a thicker sauce, or broth for a lighter sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy pasta, rotini parmesan sauce, easy dinner recipe, cheesy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-rotini-in-parmesan-sauce/