Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. You can save a little pasta water to add to the sauce later, if needed, for a smoother consistency.

2. Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

3. Make the Parmesan Sauce:

For the sauce, add the butter to the skillet with the garlic. Once it’s melted, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Once the sauce thickens a bit, add in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Combine Everything:

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce, tossing it gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and mix everything together.

If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve:

Transfer the creamy garlic butter chicken and pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory flavors!

Tips for Success:

• Chicken Tips: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a little olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
• Creamier Sauce: For an even richer sauce, use half-and-half or full-fat milk instead of the heavy cream, though it may not be quite as thick.
• Add Veggies: If you’d like to add some vegetables to the dish, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove over low heat.

Conclusion:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect balance of indulgent flavors and comfort. The creamy, garlicky sauce envelops the tender chicken and pasta, making each bite heavenly. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special date night, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to become a family favorite! So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.