Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- To start off, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This will ensure that the rotini pasta cooks evenly and absorbs flavor. Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander, but be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be crucial later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. This step is important to achieve that delectable golden sear. Once dried, season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper to enhance its natural flavor. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat; this combination will not only add flavor but also prevent the butter from burning.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. You can tell they’re done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board; this helps retain its juices for maximum flavor.
- In the same skillet, if needed, add a bit more butter to keep the seasoning going. Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Next, pour in the heavy cream and raise the heat slightly, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The cheese will melt and blend into the cream, creating a smooth and luscious sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, don’t fret! Just add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained rotini to the skillet and toss it gently with the creamy parmesan sauce until each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce, enhancing its flavor.
- While the pasta is mingling with the sauce, slice the rested chicken breast into bite-sized strips or chunks. This allows easier serving. You can either return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the pasta or plate it individually atop the creamy rotini.
- Finally, to elevate your dish aesthetically, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and pasta. This will not only add a pop of color but also a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the cream sauce. Serve warm and enjoy each delicious bite!
Notes
For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the chicken for shrimp or adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
- Protein: About 34g