Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a Quick Cozy Dinner

Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Chef Josie

There are evenings when comfort needs to come quickly. Days when the house feels loud, the schedule too tight, and everyone is hungry long before dinner is ready. On nights like these, a warm bowl of Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce becomes more than just a meal. It becomes a moment of pause, a deep breath you can taste, and a cozy reassurance that good food does not always require long hours in the kitchen.

This recipe brings together golden pan-seared chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that gently coats every spiral. The garlic butter melts into the chicken as it cooks, creating savory richness, while the sauce ties everything together with warmth and comfort. The dish feels special but takes surprisingly little effort.

I first made this recipe on a night when everything felt rushed. Homework packets spilled across the table, the laundry buzzer rang every five minutes, and dinner time loomed. With ingredients I already had on hand, I whipped together this pasta skillet, hoping for something simple and satisfying. As the garlic butter began to sizzle and the creamy Parmesan sauce bubbled softly, the kitchen transformed from chaotic to peaceful. The first bite confirmed it. Cozy, creamy, indulgent enough to feel like a treat but simple enough to count as a quick dinner idea.

Busy parents, healthy eaters, comfort-food lovers, and anyone craving a simple chicken recipe will find this dish fits beautifully into their routine.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini

• Fast enough for busy weeknights, ready in about 30 minutes.
• Cozy and comforting, perfect for when you want a warm, satisfying dinner without complexity.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Flexible for different cuts of chicken including tenders, thighs, breasts, and even ground chicken.
• A balanced healthy dinner recipe, offering lean protein, pasta for energy, and a creamy sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved, thanks to the mild garlic butter flavor and familiar pasta.
• Perfect for lazy dinners, because it uses just one skillet and one pot.
• Easily adjustable, whether you want it baked, air fried, lighter, richer, or dairy-free.
• Ideal for meal prep, reheating beautifully while retaining creaminess.

Ingredient Breakdown

This dish uses common pantry staples that together create a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort.

Chicken

You can use several cuts, depending on what you have available.

• Chicken breasts: Lean and ideal for healthy dinner recipes.
• Chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful, excellent for pan-searing.
• Chicken tenders: Cook quickly and perfectly for busy nights.
• Ground chicken: A budget-friendly variation that turns this into a one-pot pasta skillet.

Garlic

Fresh garlic brings warmth and aromatics that are essential in a dish centered around garlic butter. The flavor deepens as it cooks in butter.

Butter

This lays the foundation for the sauce and flavors the chicken as it sears. Use salted or unsalted depending on preference.

Rotini pasta

Rotini is ideal because its spirals hold the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully, delivering flavor in every bite.

• Substitute: Penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even linguine.

Heavy cream or half-and-half

This creates the luxurious base for the Parmesan sauce.

• Substitute: Evaporated milk for a lighter option.

Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and thickens the sauce naturally.

• Substitute: Pecorino Romano for a richer, saltier taste.

Chicken broth

Adds depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika complement the garlic butter and Parmesan without overpowering the dish.

Fresh parsley

Brightens the creamy richness and adds a final touch of freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini Step by Step

Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly creamy, cozy pasta dinner every time.

1. Season the chicken

Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This simple blend brings balanced flavor to the whole dish.

2. Cook the rotini

Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.

3. Sear the chicken in garlic butter

In a large skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Once fragrant, sear chicken until golden brown on each side. The garlic butter caramelizes on the surface, creating a flavorful crust.

4. Prepare the Parmesan sauce

Remove chicken and add additional butter to the skillet if needed. Pour in chicken broth and scraped browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese to create a smooth, silky sauce.

5. Combine chicken and sauce

Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer lightly until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Add the rotini

Gently fold the cooked rotini into the sauce, making sure each spiral is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or a splash of broth.

7. Garnish and serve

Top with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately for the coziest texture and flavor.

Notes and Top Tips

• Don’t rush the sear. The golden crust enhances the flavor of both the chicken and the Parmesan sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent melting smoothly.
• Adjust thickness as needed. More broth thins the sauce, while extra Parmesan thickens it.
• Add vegetables for a lighter twist. Spinach, peas, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
• Make it dairy-free. Use coconut milk and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
• For a baked option: Transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with Parmesan, and bake until bubbly.
• For air fryer chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in the air fryer, then prepare the sauce separately and combine.
• To avoid curdling: Keep heat on medium when adding dairy to maintain a silky smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This cozy pasta dish pairs well with several sides and enhancements.

Serve With:

• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crushed red pepper for spice
• Sundried tomatoes for depth
• Mushrooms sautéed in butter
• Spinach added during the final minutes

Each variation creates subtle shifts in flavor without increasing the difficulty.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without pasta for best texture, up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
• Avoid high heat: It may cause the sauce to separate.

This dish reheats surprisingly well and often tastes even better the next day.

Why You Will Make This Recipe Again

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce offers the trifecta every home cook needs: speed, simplicity, and comfort. It delivers a restaurant-level experience with minimal ingredients and low effort. The cozy garlic butter, the creamy Parmesan sauce, and the tender chicken come together in a way that feels indulgent but still fits into a busy, health-conscious lifestyle.

For busy parents, this dish becomes a reliable weeknight staple. For healthy eaters, it provides protein and satisfaction without heaviness. For anyone craving comfort, it offers warmth in every bite. This is the kind of recipe that enters the weekly rotation with zero hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Yes. Thighs stay juicy and absorb the garlic butter beautifully.

2. Can I make this sauce lighter?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. Add a touch more Parmesan for thickness.

3. Will gluten-free pasta work?
Yes. Use a high-quality gluten-free rotini and cook it slightly less so it doesn’t become mushy.

4. Can I use ground chicken instead?
Absolutely. Brown ground chicken in garlic butter and prepare the sauce directly in the same skillet.

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