Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini Easy Family Meal

ByNaomi
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients: - 12 oz rotini pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These simple ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. A few tools make this recipe easier: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Colander for draining pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Whisk for mixing the sauce - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring Having these tools on hand will help your cooking go smoothly. There are times when you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some good swaps: - For rotini pasta, you can use penne or fusilli. - If you are out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well. - Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. - Grated Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a different flavor. - You can swap chicken for shrimp or turkey if you prefer. These substitutes keep the dish tasty and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, firm but cooked. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save a small cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic while stirring for about 1 minute. You want to smell its fragrant aroma without letting it brown. After that, pour in the chicken broth and stir well to mix. Increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce a bit. Now, lower the heat to low again and carefully stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk this mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir continuously to keep it from sticking. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rotini. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make the sauce creamy and rich, use fresh ingredients. Always use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This choice enhances flavor and texture. When you add the cream, keep the heat low. This prevents the sauce from curdling. Stir continuously to ensure it blends well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This will help you achieve the desired consistency. Cook the rotini pasta al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Timing is key. Start cooking the chicken while the pasta boils. This way, both will be ready at the same time. Chicken takes about 6-8 minutes to cook through. Make sure it is golden brown for the best flavor. Remove the chicken before making the sauce. This step ensures you don’t overcook it. Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini in wide, shallow bowls. This style showcases the sauce and pasta beautifully. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. You can also add extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish. A lemon wedge on the side can add a nice zing. This simple addition brightens up the dish. Enjoy this meal with family or friends for a cozy dinner! For the full recipe, check out the directions. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition in this dish by adding vegetables. My favorites are spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Simply add them to the skillet with the chicken. Cook them until they are tender. This extra step adds color and flavor to your meal. Plus, it makes your dish healthier! Don’t be afraid to change up the herbs and spices. If you want a different flavor, try using fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary. You can also swap the Italian seasoning for some Cajun spice for a kick! These small changes can give your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini a fresh twist. If you want variety, you can switch the chicken for shrimp or turkey. If using shrimp, sauté it until it turns pink. For turkey, cook it until it’s no longer pink inside. These swaps can keep dinner exciting while still being easy to make. Each protein brings its own unique taste to the dish. For the full recipe, check the section above! To keep your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know how long it has been stored. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat creamy garlic butter chicken rotini is on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to heat evenly and avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating instructions above for the best texture. This way, you can always have a delicious meal ready to go! Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste similar to regular pasta. Always check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. To lighten the sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use low-fat cream cheese for a creamy taste with fewer calories. Try adding more chicken broth for a thinner sauce. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread makes a great side too. You can serve a light dessert afterward, like fruit salad or sorbet, to balance the meal. Yes, store-bought rotini works fine. Just check the cooking time on the package to ensure you cook it al dente. Homemade pasta is great but not necessary for this recipe. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini combines Italian pasta with classic garlic butter sauce. It's inspired by Italian cooking, where creamy sauces are popular. This dish adds a twist, making it a favorite for families everywhere. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini is simple and tasty. We covered essential ingredients and kitchen tools that make cooking easier. You learned step-by-step how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make the sauce. Tips and tricks helped you perfect the dish. Variations let you explore new flavors and swap proteins. For storage, you now know how to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is about enjoying flavors and sharing meals. Try this dish your way!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try my Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini! This dish is packed with flavor and simple to make. In just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal that your family will love. Whether you’re an expert chef or a beginner, I’ll guide you through each part of the process. Let’s dive in and whip up this easy family meal!

Ingredients

Required Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

– 12 oz rotini pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These simple ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Useful Kitchen Tools

A few tools make this recipe easier:

– Large pot for boiling pasta

– Colander for draining pasta

– Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce

– Whisk for mixing the sauce

– Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Having these tools on hand will help your cooking go smoothly.

Recommended Substitutes for Ingredients

There are times when you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some good swaps:

– For rotini pasta, you can use penne or fusilli.

– If you are out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well.

– Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

– Grated Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a different flavor.

– You can swap chicken for shrimp or turkey if you prefer.

These substitutes keep the dish tasty and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, firm but cooked. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save a small cup of the pasta water for later.

Sautéing the Chicken

Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic while stirring for about 1 minute. You want to smell its fragrant aroma without letting it brown. After that, pour in the chicken broth and stir well to mix. Increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce a bit.

Combining the Ingredients

Now, lower the heat to low again and carefully stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk this mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir continuously to keep it from sticking. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rotini. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect the Creamy Sauce

To make the sauce creamy and rich, use fresh ingredients. Always use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This choice enhances flavor and texture. When you add the cream, keep the heat low. This prevents the sauce from curdling. Stir continuously to ensure it blends well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This will help you achieve the desired consistency.

Timing Tips for Cooking Pasta and Chicken

Cook the rotini pasta al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Timing is key. Start cooking the chicken while the pasta boils. This way, both will be ready at the same time. Chicken takes about 6-8 minutes to cook through. Make sure it is golden brown for the best flavor. Remove the chicken before making the sauce. This step ensures you don’t overcook it.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini in wide, shallow bowls. This style showcases the sauce and pasta beautifully. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. You can also add extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish. A lemon wedge on the side can add a nice zing. This simple addition brightens up the dish. Enjoy this meal with family or friends for a cozy dinner!

Variations

Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

You can boost the nutrition in this dish by adding vegetables. My favorites are spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Simply add them to the skillet with the chicken. Cook them until they are tender. This extra step adds color and flavor to your meal. Plus, it makes your dish healthier!

Herb and Spice Alternatives

Don’t be afraid to change up the herbs and spices. If you want a different flavor, try using fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary. You can also swap the Italian seasoning for some Cajun spice for a kick! These small changes can give your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini a fresh twist.

Protein Swaps: Using Shrimp or Turkey

If you want variety, you can switch the chicken for shrimp or turkey. If using shrimp, sauté it until it turns pink. For turkey, cook it until it’s no longer pink inside. These swaps can keep dinner exciting while still being easy to make. Each protein brings its own unique taste to the dish.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know how long it has been stored.

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat creamy garlic butter chicken rotini is on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to heat evenly and avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Freezing Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating instructions above for the best texture. This way, you can always have a delicious meal ready to go!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste similar to regular pasta. Always check the labels to ensure they fit your needs.

How can I make the sauce lighter?

To lighten the sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use low-fat cream cheese for a creamy taste with fewer calories. Try adding more chicken broth for a thinner sauce.

What goes well with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread makes a great side too. You can serve a light dessert afterward, like fruit salad or sorbet, to balance the meal.

Can I use store-bought rotini for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotini works fine. Just check the cooking time on the package to ensure you cook it al dente. Homemade pasta is great but not necessary for this recipe.

What is the origin of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini?

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini combines Italian pasta with classic garlic butter sauce. It’s inspired by Italian cooking, where creamy sauces are popular. This dish adds a twist, making it a favorite for families everywhere.

This recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini is simple and tasty. We covered essential ingredients and kitchen tools that make cooking easier. You learned step-by-step how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make the sauce. Tips and tricks helped you perfect the dish. Variations let you explore new flavors and swap proteins. For storage, you now know how to keep leftovers fresh.

Remember, cooking is about enjoying flavors and sharing meals. Try this dish your way!

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients: - 12 oz rotini pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These simple ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. A few tools make this recipe easier: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Colander for draining pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Whisk for mixing the sauce - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring Having these tools on hand will help your cooking go smoothly. There are times when you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some good swaps: - For rotini pasta, you can use penne or fusilli. - If you are out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well. - Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. - Grated Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a different flavor. - You can swap chicken for shrimp or turkey if you prefer. These substitutes keep the dish tasty and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, firm but cooked. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save a small cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic while stirring for about 1 minute. You want to smell its fragrant aroma without letting it brown. After that, pour in the chicken broth and stir well to mix. Increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce a bit. Now, lower the heat to low again and carefully stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk this mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir continuously to keep it from sticking. Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rotini. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make the sauce creamy and rich, use fresh ingredients. Always use heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This choice enhances flavor and texture. When you add the cream, keep the heat low. This prevents the sauce from curdling. Stir continuously to ensure it blends well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This will help you achieve the desired consistency. Cook the rotini pasta al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Timing is key. Start cooking the chicken while the pasta boils. This way, both will be ready at the same time. Chicken takes about 6-8 minutes to cook through. Make sure it is golden brown for the best flavor. Remove the chicken before making the sauce. This step ensures you don’t overcook it. Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini in wide, shallow bowls. This style showcases the sauce and pasta beautifully. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. You can also add extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish. A lemon wedge on the side can add a nice zing. This simple addition brightens up the dish. Enjoy this meal with family or friends for a cozy dinner! For the full recipe, check out the directions. {{image_4}} You can boost the nutrition in this dish by adding vegetables. My favorites are spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Simply add them to the skillet with the chicken. Cook them until they are tender. This extra step adds color and flavor to your meal. Plus, it makes your dish healthier! Don’t be afraid to change up the herbs and spices. If you want a different flavor, try using fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary. You can also swap the Italian seasoning for some Cajun spice for a kick! These small changes can give your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini a fresh twist. If you want variety, you can switch the chicken for shrimp or turkey. If using shrimp, sauté it until it turns pink. For turkey, cook it until it’s no longer pink inside. These swaps can keep dinner exciting while still being easy to make. Each protein brings its own unique taste to the dish. For the full recipe, check the section above! To keep your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know how long it has been stored. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat creamy garlic butter chicken rotini is on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet over low heat. Stir gently to heat evenly and avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating instructions above for the best texture. This way, you can always have a delicious meal ready to go! Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste similar to regular pasta. Always check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. To lighten the sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use low-fat cream cheese for a creamy taste with fewer calories. Try adding more chicken broth for a thinner sauce. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread makes a great side too. You can serve a light dessert afterward, like fruit salad or sorbet, to balance the meal. Yes, store-bought rotini works fine. Just check the cooking time on the package to ensure you cook it al dente. Homemade pasta is great but not necessary for this recipe. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini combines Italian pasta with classic garlic butter sauce. It's inspired by Italian cooking, where creamy sauces are popular. This dish adds a twist, making it a favorite for families everywhere. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini is simple and tasty. We covered essential ingredients and kitchen tools that make cooking easier. You learned step-by-step how to cook pasta, sauté chicken, and make the sauce. Tips and tricks helped you perfect the dish. Variations let you explore new flavors and swap proteins. For storage, you now know how to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is about enjoying flavors and sharing meals. Try this dish your way!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

Indulge in the delicious flavors of this creamy garlic butter chicken rotini! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce to create a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests, it’s both comforting and elegant.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz rotini pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken breast. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant but not browned.

        Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the broth reduce slightly.

          Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to low, and carefully stir in the heavy cream along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid sticking.

            Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained rotini. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the luscious creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

              Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Plate the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini in bowls, and generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and twirls of pasta. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a lemon wedge on the side for an inviting touch. Enjoy!

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