Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini: Ultimate Comfort Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz rotini pasta (uncooked); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Tired of bland, dry chicken pasta dishes that leave you underwhelmed? I’ve been there too. After years of kitchen experiments and countless family dinners, I’ve perfected this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini that guarantees tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a sauce so rich you’ll want to lick your plate clean. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken and pasta into an extraordinary comfort meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

As a home cook who has prepared this dish for countless gatherings, I can promise you this: this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients. Throughout this guide, I’ll share my best tips for selecting chicken, creating the perfect garlic butter sauce, and serving suggestions that elevate this dish from great to unforgettable.

Why This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini Recipe Works

Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs or breasts that stay juicy and flavorful
Cooks in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion
Ready in under 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight comfort meal
Versatile recipe that can be customized with vegetables or different herbs
Creates leftovers that taste even better the next day

Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Creamy Garlic Butter Rotini

Best Cuts for This Chicken Pasta Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs deliver the most flavor and tenderness in this creamy garlic butter chicken rotini. They stay juicy throughout cooking and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully. If you prefer white meat, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well too, but be careful not to overcook them.

Buying Tips for Chicken

Look for plump, pink chicken with no gray discoloration. For the best flavor and ethical sourcing, consider free-range or organic chicken. If budget is a concern, buying family packs and freezing portions can save money without sacrificing quality.

Substitutions for Chicken

While chicken is the star of this creamy garlic butter rotini, you can substitute with turkey cutlets for a leaner option. For a plant-based version, try firm tofu or chickpeas – just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Ingredients & Prep for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini: Ultimate Comfort Meal

Chicken Prep Essentials

Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning – this ensures better browning and flavor development. A quick 15-minute rest at room temperature while you prep other ingredients will help it cook more evenly.

Sauce Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pantry Staples

For the perfect creamy garlic butter chicken rotini, keep these essentials on hand: high-quality olive oil for sautéing, fresh garlic (much better than pre-minced), and Italian seasoning blend. The flavor difference with fresh ingredients is remarkable!

Looking for another delicious chicken recipe? Check out my Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches for a tropical twist on your next meal!

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

Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep

Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot pan
Arrange chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding)

Cooking Method for Chicken Pasta

Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (it will finish cooking later)
Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat to medium
Add butter to the same pan and melt completely
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown)
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release browned bits
Add rotini pasta (about 8 oz), ensuring it’s submerged in liquid
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente
Return chicken to the pan during the last 5 minutes of cooking
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, allowing sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes

Doneness Check for Chicken Rotini

Check that chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain silky and pourable.

Resting Your Chicken Pasta Dish

Allow the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini to rest uncovered for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld perfectly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

Avoiding Tough, Dry Chicken

The secret to juicy chicken in this creamy rotini is to not overcook it. Remove it from the pan while slightly underdone, then return it to finish cooking in the sauce. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough while ensuring it’s safe to eat.

Tool Recommendations for Chicken Pasta

A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven distributes heat evenly for this creamy garlic butter chicken rotini. A wooden spoon won’t scratch your cookware while still effectively scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom.

Storage & Reheating Chicken Pasta Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce, and warm gently over medium-low heat. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish perfect for meal prep!

For another comforting chicken dish, try my Lemon Chicken Gnocchi for a bright, citrusy alternative that’s equally satisfying!

Flavor Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

Spicy Chicken Pasta Twist

Kick up the heat by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a tablespoon of minced jalapeño with the garlic. For serious heat lovers, stir in a teaspoon of cayenne or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce just before serving.

Keto-Friendly Chicken Adaptation

Make this creamy garlic butter chicken dish keto-friendly by swapping the rotini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Increase the heavy cream ratio to broth for a higher fat content and ensure all seasonings are sugar-free.

Global Flavors for Chicken Pasta

Cuisine Style	Key Ingredients to Add	Recommended Herbs	Serving Suggestion
Mediterranean	Sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes	Oregano, basil	With lemon wedges and olives
Cajun	Andouille sausage (alongside chicken), bell peppers	Cajun seasoning, thyme	With hot sauce on the side
Tuscan	Spinach, mushrooms	Rosemary, sage	With crusty garlic bread
Greek	Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes	Dill, mint	With cucumber salad

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

This comforting chicken pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce. For a complete meal, roasted asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutrition.

For drink pairings, consider a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that won’t overpower the creamy garlic flavors. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea with a hint of mint.

Looking for a fun appetizer to serve before this main course? My Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls are the perfect starter!

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini

Can I make this chicken pasta dish ahead of time?

Yes! This creamy garlic butter chicken rotini can be made up to 2 days ahead. The flavors actually improve overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce consistency.

How do I fix my chicken pasta sauce if it’s too thick or thin?

If your sauce is too thick, add chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. If too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce, or add more Parmesan cheese.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken cooking steps and add shredded rotisserie chicken when you would return the chicken to the pan. This makes this creamy garlic butter rotini even faster for busy weeknights.

Is this creamy chicken pasta recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding fresh cream if needed to revive the sauce.

For another delicious chicken option that’s perfect for entertaining, check out my Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings!

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary comfort meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a regular request at your dinner table.

Don’t keep this recipe to yourself! Join thousands of home cooks who have made this dish their go-to comfort meal by saving it to your recipe collection. Share your results on social media and tag me on Pinterest where you’ll find even more mouthwatering comfort food inspiration for your weekly meal planning.

What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to this ultimate comfort dish tonight. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini: Ultimate Comfort Meal