If you are looking for a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that combines juicy chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort food in every bite – creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and filling. Perfect for weeknight family dinners or even special occasions when you want to impress with minimal effort.
This recipe takes only about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet indulgent meal that everyone at the table will love. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide, ingredients, and all the tips you need to make this pasta dish a true masterpiece.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp salted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
12 oz rotini pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 oz cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra gooeyness)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
½ cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency if needed)
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt a little more butter if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese (and mozzarella if using) until the sauce becomes velvety and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything
Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve & Garnish
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
⏱ Quick Recipe Facts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~820 per serving
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: A dish everyone, from kids to adults, will devour.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, add veggies like spinach or broccoli, or swap the pasta type.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: The rich Parmesan garlic sauce tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
Different pasta: Rotini holds the sauce well, but penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni also work perfectly.
Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
More protein: Add shrimp or bacon along with the chicken.
Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese lovers: Double the mozzarella for a gooier, cheesier sauce.
💡 Expert Tips
Always use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the garlic – it should be golden and fragrant, not burnt.
Reserve pasta water before draining; it’s the secret to adjusting sauce texture.
Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Reheat everything with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze this pasta dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with extra cream or broth.
Q3: What side dishes go well with this pasta?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this creamy pasta.
Q4: How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
🌿 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a must-try recipe that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to plain pasta again. Serve it with garlic bread, sprinkle on extra Parmesan, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dinner right at home.
