Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is an irresistible dish that combines succulent chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a rich, savory Parmesan sauce infused with garlic butter. This dish is a comfort food classic that is perfect for any time of the year, whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.
The garlic butter sauce envelopes every bite of pasta and chicken, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and creamy layer, while the rotini pasta shape holds all that delicious sauce perfectly.
For those who are interested in the history of pasta and its evolution, check out this detailed guide on pasta shapes, which explains why certain shapes are better suited for certain sauces.
Additionally, if you’re new to Parmesan cheese or looking for more tips on selecting the best quality cheese, visit Cheese World for a guide on how to choose the perfect Parmesan for your recipes.
Origin and Evolution of Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken has been around for centuries, originating in Mediterranean cuisine, where olive oil and garlic are key ingredients in many dishes. The creamy version, however, is a relatively recent addition to modern comfort food menus. Pasta dishes with garlic butter became especially popular in the United States during the 20th century, thanks to the widespread availability of pasta and dairy products like Parmesan cheese.
Over the years, variations of the dish emerged, incorporating everything from shrimp to mushrooms or even broccoli. The addition of rotini pasta, with its spiral shape, allows the sauce to cling to the pasta, making every bite richer and more flavorful.
For a deeper understanding of how pasta shapes like rotini came to be, explore the history of Italian pasta in detail on Pasta Page.
Nutritional Overview of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
When indulging in a dish as creamy and rich as garlic butter chicken & rotini in Parmesan sauce, it’s important to consider the nutritional profile. This dish is a good source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the Parmesan cheese, while also providing carbohydrates from the pasta. However, because of its rich sauce, it’s best enjoyed in moderation or with mindful substitutions for a lighter version.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 700-800 calories (depending on portion size and specific ingredients)
- Protein: From the chicken breasts and Parmesan cheese
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from rotini pasta
- Fat: Mostly from the butter and Parmesan cheese
- Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin A
If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, consider swapping out regular butter for light butter or using a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. You can also opt for a gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Essential Ingredients
The key to making a delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and provide lean protein.
- Rotini Pasta: Rotini is the pasta of choice due to its spiral shape, which allows it to hold the creamy sauce more effectively. You can substitute with other short pasta types, such as penne or fusilli.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: This rich sauce is the backbone of the dish. You’ll need fresh garlic, butter, and heavy cream. For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for creating that creamy, cheesy sauce. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly and could alter the texture.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley add a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste!
With these key ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create the perfect creamy pasta dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
1. Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain the pasta, but save a cup of the pasta water to help thin the sauce later if necessary.
2. Preparing the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Combining Everything
- Add the cooked rotini pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes. Here are a few ideas for customizations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for tofu, mushrooms, or even chickpeas. You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce to give the dish an extra level of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Many varieties of gluten-free pasta, such as rice or corn-based pasta, work well in this dish.
These variations make it easy to tailor the recipe to your preferences, while still maintaining the dish’s signature creamy, savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Plating and Presentation
To elevate the presentation of your dish, consider the following tips:
- Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken & rotini in Parmesan sauce in large pasta bowls for a comforting feel or on individual plates for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese to add color and a bit more flavor.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair it with these simple sides:
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is a classic companion to any creamy pasta dish.
- Salads: Light salads with a tangy vinaigrette, such as a Caesar salad or a spinach salad, balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful contrast to the creamy pasta.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
When it comes to pairing drinks with your creamy garlic butter chicken & rotini in Parmesan sauce, consider the following:
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery sauce.
- Red Wine: A light-bodied Pinot Noir offers a balanced pairing with this creamy dish.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a chilled herbal iced tea provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet, let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Parmesan sauce, rotini pasta, creamy pasta