Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken: 40-Minute Insanely Good Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 pound rotini pasta; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

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Oh, comfort food! Is there anything better? I swear, some of my happiest childhood memories are from weeknight dinners around the table, slurping up something warm and satisfying. And that’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is all about!

Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver. You wanna know what I love? It’s so easy to whip up, even on those crazy busy weeknights when you’re, like, “Ugh, what am I gonna make?”. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is the perfect solution! It’s total comfort food, and it’s ready in under 40 minutes. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

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

Okay, so why *this* recipe? Let me tell you, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is a total winner! It’s got everything going for it. Seriously, you’re going to be making this one again and again!

Quick and Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Time is precious, right? This dish is ready in a flash! You can have dinner on the table faster than you can say “garlic butter.”

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is Family-Friendly

Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up. I promise, no complaints about “weird” ingredients here!

Incredibly Flavorful Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Wow, the flavor! The creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-y goodness is just… chef’s kiss! It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Comforting Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Need a hug in a bowl? This is it! It’s total comfort food that’ll warm you from the inside out. Ahhh!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini Uses Simple Ingredients

No need for a fancy grocery store run. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! Easy peasy!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is all about simple, fresh flavors. You’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and make sure you cut ’em into bite-sized pieces – it cooks faster that way. Grab 1 pound of rotini pasta – the spirals are perfect for catching all that yummy sauce! You’ll also need 4 tablespoons of butter (I always use unsalted!), 4 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh is *always* best, trust me!), and 1/2 cup of heavy cream for that ultra-creamy texture. Don’t forget 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the powdery kind!), 1/4 cup of chicken broth (low sodium is my go-to), and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. And, of course, salt and pepper to taste! That’s it! Easy, right?

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How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Okay, people, let’s get cooking! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini might *sound* fancy, but it’s seriously easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!

Cooking the Rotini for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

First things first, get that rotini going! Fill a big pot with water, add a pinch of salt (like Grandma always did!), and bring it to a boil. Then, dump in your 1 pound of rotini and cook it until it’s *al dente*. That means it’s cooked through but still has a little bite to it – nobody likes mushy pasta! Check the package directions for the exact time, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain it *really* well. You don’t want watery sauce, trust me!

Sautéing the Chicken for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

While the pasta’s cooking, grab a big skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmery (careful, it splatters!), add your 1 pound of bite-sized chicken. Spread it out in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked all the way through. No pink allowed! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.

Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Now for the magic! Once the chicken is cooked, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute, until it’s fragrant. Mmm, that garlic smell is the best! Be careful not to burn it, though – burnt garlic is *not* a good flavor. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer (that means small bubbles, not a rolling boil!). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens up just a bit. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed – maybe you want a little more salt, or a pinch of pepper? It’s your sauce, make it how you like it!

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Combining the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Almost there! Add the drained rotini to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that delicious creamy Parmesan sauce. Make sure every little spiral gets its share! Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And that’s it! Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Want to take this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, when you’re cooking the chicken, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Seriously, it’s important! Doing it in batches helps it brown properly. And please, for the love of garlic, use fresh garlic! The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same punch. Finally, if your sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer. You’re the boss!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Okay, so let’s talk about those ingredients! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is pretty flexible, so don’t stress if you’re missing something. The heavy cream? You *could* use half-and-half, but honestly, it won’t be quite as rich and creamy. If you’re dairy-free, try full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind!). Parmesan cheese? Asiago or Pecorino Romano would also be delicious! For the chicken broth, vegetable broth works in a pinch, but chicken broth just adds that extra bit of savory goodness. And hey, if you only have pre-minced garlic, that’s okay, but fresh is *always* better, if you can swing it!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini Variations

Wanna mix things up? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini is a blank canvas! My favorite part is throwing in a big handful of fresh spinach right at the end – wilts down in seconds and adds a pop of green! Sun-dried tomatoes are also amazing, or how about some sliced mushrooms sautéed with the chicken? Ooh, and if you’re feeling spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes will kick things up a notch! You could even swap out the Parmesan for some Gruyere or Fontina for a totally different flavor profile!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

So, you’ve got this amazing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini… what do you serve with it? My go-to is a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette – it cuts through the richness perfectly. Oh, and garlic bread? Yes, please! Or, if you’re feeling virtuous, some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus would be delish!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini. Hopefully, this helps!

Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini?

Absolutely! Rotini is great because of all those little ridges that grab the sauce, but penne, farfalle (bowties!), or even fettuccine would work just fine. Honestly, use whatever you have on hand! Just make sure you cook it *al dente*!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best fresh. The sauce tends to get absorbed by the pasta if it sits for too long. If you *need* to make it ahead, I’d recommend cooking the pasta and chicken separately, then tossing it all together with the sauce right before serving. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce up.

Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini?

Freezing isn’t ideal, as the creamy sauce can sometimes separate when thawed. But, if you have leftovers you really want to save, go for it! Just be aware that the texture might be a little different. Thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little liquid to help the sauce come back together.

How can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini spicier?

Easy peasy! A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce is my go-to. Or, if you’re a hot sauce fanatic like me, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick! Just add it to the sauce before you toss in the pasta, and you’re good to go!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

Okay, so everyone always wants to know about the nutritional info, right? Here’s a *rough* estimate for one serving of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini – remember, it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and your portion sizes! We’re looking at roughly 550 calories, 30 grams of fat (with about 18 grams of saturated fat – that creamy sauce!), 30 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbs. There’s also around 400mg of sodium and 5 grams of sugar. Just keep in mind, it’s an estimate! The best way to know for sure is to plug your specific ingredients into a nutrition calculator.

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