Go Back

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Tender chicken strips and rotini pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce - the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter divided
Pasta & Sauce
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
  2. Season chicken strips with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown on one side.
  5. Flip chicken and cook 4-5 minutes more until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  6. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, covered with foil to keep warm.
  7. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet and scrape up any browned bits.
  8. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  9. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Gradually add Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously until melted and sauce is smooth.
  11. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Return chicken to skillet along with any juices and stir to coat with sauce.
  13. Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated with sauce.
  14. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and don't let the cream boil to prevent curdling. Leftovers can be stored for 3 days; add cream when reheating to restore consistency.