If you love the comforting embrace of creamy pasta and the savory, juicy bite of tender chicken, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. This dish blends perfectly cooked rotini pasta coated in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce with succulent chicken pieces seasoned just right to tantalize your taste buds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe promises a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will leave you reaching for seconds without a second thought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, richness, and that irresistible cheesy texture. From the network of rotini to the aromatic garlic and the savory Parmesan, each component brings something special to the table.
- 12 oz rotini pasta: Its spiral shape makes it perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and great texture.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key for melting smoothly and delivering bold cheesy flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a mild kick to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken with a subtle fruity note.
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra if needed): Gives the sauce richness and silky mouthfeel.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the creamy base for that signature sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in a savory herbal blend that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a tiny smoky warmth and enhances the color of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried): Provides a fresh burst of color and flavor at the end.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors nicely without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers subtle heat and sharpness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional for thinning sauce): Helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly while adding a bit of pasta starch for binding.
How to Make Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized chunks — this helps them cook evenly and makes every bite perfect. Then, sprinkle salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika all over. These seasonings give the chicken a well-rounded, savory profile with just a hint of smoky depth from the paprika, setting the stage for the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. This step locks in the juices and adds that mouthwatering texture and flavor to the chicken. Once done, set the chicken aside while you prepare the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Rotini Pasta Al Dente
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until it’s al dente — tender but still with a bit of bite. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining; that starchy goodness will help you loosen the sauce later so it clings perfectly to each spiral.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
Clean out your skillet and melt a touch more butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it gently until fragrant — this is your aromatic base that will infuse the sauce. Then pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, allowing it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it thicken ever so slightly and soak in the garlic flavor. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking continuously until it melts into a silky, smooth sauce that’s rich and cheesy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
Add your cooked rotini into the pan and toss everything together. Use that reserved pasta water a little at a time if you want to thin out the sauce and make it coat every piece of pasta perfectly. Finally, return the golden chicken chunks to the skillet and stir everything together until the chicken is warmed through and beautifully coated in the luscious sauce.
Step 6: Final Touch with Parsley and Extra Cheese
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of fresh green color and a hint of herbal brightness. Don’t be shy about adding a bit more Parmesan cheese on top — it’s the crowning glory that amps up the cheesiness and flavor.
How to Serve Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a nice herbal contrast, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or even a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. Grated extra Parmesan on top never disappoints and makes every bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp mixed green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also make wonderful companions without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties, serve this cheesy rotini and chicken in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs. You could even add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes on top to add new textures and flavors. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They keep well for up to 3 days and make an absolutely delicious next-day meal, perfect for a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but take care to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months. When freezing, omit the fresh parsley garnish as it doesn’t freeze well — you can add fresh parsley when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Alternatively, the microwave works fine, but stirring halfway through helps heat everything evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well here, though thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving during cooking, while breasts are leaner. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can absolutely try substituting the butter for a plant-based alternative and using dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and creaminess might differ, but it can still be very tasty!
Can I swap the rotini for another type of pasta?
Yes! While rotini is ideal for catching that sauce with its spirals, penne, fusilli, or farfalle can also do a great job and lend their own charming textures.
How do I know when the sauce is the right consistency?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the pasta without pooling at the bottom. If it’s too thick, a little reserved pasta water will bring it to the perfect silky texture.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time for a crowd?
Definitely! Cook everything up to the final mixing step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat and combine everything to keep flavors fresh and textures lovely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that strikes that perfect harmony between cheesy indulgence and comforting homestyle flavor, the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a true winner. It’s easy enough to whip up on busy nights yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to dinners!
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Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Cheesy Rotini pasta with tender garlic Parmesan chicken. This comforting dish combines perfectly cooked rotini with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, finished with fresh parsley for a delightful meal in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional for thinning sauce)
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
Instructions
- Prepare and season the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, cooking them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt a little more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and absorb the garlic flavor.
- Add parmesan cheese: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
- Return chicken to skillet: Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan, stirring everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before serving to add freshness and extra cheesiness.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs or vice versa; adjust cooking time if using larger pieces.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, making it creamier and better clinging to the pasta.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for the best flavor and color.
- Can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
