Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Struggling with bland, dry chicken dishes that leave your family unimpressed? I know that feeling all too well. As a mom trying to balance nutrition with flavor, I’ve spent years perfecting this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce recipe that guarantees tender chicken bites swimming in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to every spiral of rotini pasta.

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind bikren Cook. Before this creamy garlic chicken recipe became my family’s most-requested dinner, I struggled with pasta dishes that either dried out too quickly or lacked that restaurant-quality flavor. After countless test batches (and some memorable kitchen fails!), I finally created this creamy pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance of rich comfort food with surprisingly simple preparation.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken cuts, share my secret to creating the creamiest garlic parmesan sauce, and provide foolproof cooking techniques that ensure tender chicken every time. I’ll also include serving suggestions, storage tips, and flavor variations to keep this versatile dish in your regular rotation.

Why This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe Works

• Uses budget-friendly boneless chicken that transforms into succulent, flavor-packed bites
• The garlic butter sauce comes together in just one pan while your pasta cooks
• Rotini pasta’s spiral shape captures maximum creamy parmesan sauce in every bite
• Perfect weeknight solution ready in under 30 minutes
• Versatile recipe that can be dressed up for company or simplified for picky eaters

Choosing the Right Chicken for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Best Cuts for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

For this rotini pasta recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Chicken breasts deliver a leaner option that stays tender when cut into bite-sized pieces and quickly sautéed. Thighs offer more inherent moisture and flavor, making them more forgiving for beginners.

Buying Tips for Chicken

When shopping for chicken for your creamy pasta dishes:

• Choose chicken with a pink color and no gray spots
• Avoid packages with excessive liquid at the bottom
• Look for air-chilled chicken when possible (it has better texture)
• Consider organic or free-range options for enhanced flavor

Substitutions for Creamy Garlic Chicken

If you’re out of chicken, this versatile garlic parmesan sauce works wonderfully with:

• Shrimp (cook for just 2-3 minutes per side)
• Cubed tofu (pressed dry and pan-seared)
• Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (add at the final stage)

Ingredients & Prep for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

Chicken Prep Essentials

Before cooking your chicken bites:

1. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels
2. Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking
3. Season generously with salt and pepper
4. Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking

Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce Components

The heart of this garlic parmesan chicken comes from these key ingredients:

• 🧄 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
• 🧀 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 🌿 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 🌶️ ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pantry Staples for Creamy Pasta Dishes

These everyday ingredients elevate your creamy chicken pasta:

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra garlic flavor)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Garlic Chicken

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your rotini
2. While waiting, cube and season your chicken as noted above
3. Mince garlic and grate fresh Parmesan cheese
4. Measure all remaining ingredients and place near your cooking station

Cooking Method for Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes)
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Add chicken cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed)
4. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes without stirring to develop golden crust
5. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until just cooked through
6. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil

Creating the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter
2. Once butter melts, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan
4. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened
6. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and sauce is smooth
7. Return chicken to the skillet and gently toss to coat

Final Assembly of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rotini

1. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water
2. Add rotini directly to the creamy garlic sauce
3. Gently toss everything together, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick
4. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken

Avoiding Dry Chicken in Creamy Pasta

• Don’t overcook the chicken bites—remove them from heat as soon as they’re just cooked through
• Cube chicken to equal sizes for consistent cooking
• For extra insurance, brine chicken in salt water for 15 minutes before cooking
• Return chicken to the sauce only during final minutes of cooking

Tool Recommendations for Creamy Chicken Pasta

Storage & Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken

Store your leftover creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini:

• Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently over low heat with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream
• Stir frequently when reheating to prevent sauce separation
• Add fresh Parmesan after reheating to refresh flavor

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out my collection of family-friendly recipes on Pinterest. Follow me for weekly meal ideas that make cooking a joy!

Flavor Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Vegetable Additions for Creamy Pasta Dishes

Transform your basic creamy garlic chicken rotini with these veggie mix-ins:

Herb Variations for Garlic Chicken

Customize your creamy garlic butter chicken with these herb profiles:

• Mediterranean: Add 1 tablespoon fresh basil and 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Tuscan: Incorporate 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary and 2 teaspoons oregano
• French-inspired: Mix in 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper and ¼ teaspoon cayenne

Cheese Alternatives for Creamy Pasta

While Parmesan creates the classic garlic parmesan sauce, try these cheesy twists:

• Asiago for a sharper, nuttier flavor
• Pecorino Romano for a saltier, more intense taste
• Half Parmesan, half Gruyère for a creamier melt
• Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese for extra velvety texture

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Rotini

Complete your creamy garlic butter chicken meal with these perfect accompaniments:

Side Dishes:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for sauce-sopping
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through richness
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Sautéed zucchini medallions

Drink Pairings:

• Crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay
• Light, fruity Pinot Noir
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Iced tea with fresh mint

Dessert Followups:

• Light lemon sorbet
• Fresh berries with whipped cream
• Italian almond cookies
• Chocolate mousse for special occasions

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Can I make this creamy garlic chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare components ahead: cook and refrigerate the chicken separately, and make the sauce up to the point before adding cream. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken, finish the sauce with cream and cheese, then combine with freshly cooked rotini. Complete make-ahead isn’t recommended as the sauce may separate upon reheating.

How do I prevent my creamy parmesan sauce from breaking?

Keep these tips in mind for perfect creamy pasta dishes:

• Simmer, don’t boil, your cream sauce
• Add cheese off the heat or over very low heat
• Grate your own Parmesan (pre-grated contains anti-caking agents)
• If your sauce looks grainy, whisk in a splash of pasta water

What can I use instead of heavy cream for garlic parmesan chicken?

While heavy cream creates the richest sauce for creamy garlic chicken, you can substitute:

• Half-and-half mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Full-fat coconut milk (will add coconut flavor)
• Evaporated milk (not condensed)
• Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk (add off heat to prevent curdling)

How do I make this creamy garlic butter chicken spicier?

For heat-lovers, amp up your creamy pasta dishes:

1. Double the red pepper flakes
2. Add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic
3. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
4. Finish with a drizzle of chili oil
5. Serve with hot sauce on the side

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce recipe has become my family’s definition of comfort food. The tender chicken bites swimming in velvety garlic sauce, wrapped around perfectly cooked rotini pasta—it’s the dinner solution that satisfies everyone at my table.

The beauty of this creamy pasta dish lies in its flexibility. Make it exactly as written for a foolproof family dinner, or customize it with seasonal vegetables and herbs to keep it in regular rotation without boredom. The garlic parmesan sauce technique you’ve learned here will serve as the foundation for countless delicious meals.

I’d love to see your version of this creamy garlic chicken! Share your creation on social media and tag @bikrenCook so I can celebrate your kitchen success. For more simple yet impressive recipes that bring joy to everyday cooking, join our growing community of home cooks who believe that delicious food is the heart of a happy home.