Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, packed with rich flavors that just make everything feel a little brighter. I remember the first time I made it; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something cozy to share with my family. As soon as the garlic hit the pan, the aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew we were in for a treat. The creamy sauce enveloping the tender chicken and perfectly cooked rotini is truly irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table!
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini Parmesan
Making creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water well—this is your chance to flavor the pasta!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it bubbly but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Now, toss in the diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is ready, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir often to keep it smooth.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts into a creamy sauce. Wow, just wait until you taste this!
- Drain your rotini and toss it into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Get everything well-coated and let it mingle for a minute or two.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor!
And there you have it! A comforting, creamy dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan. Remember, these values are estimates, but they can give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. For each serving (about 1 cup), here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
This dish is rich and hearty, making it perfect for when you need that extra comfort in your meal. Just keep in mind your portion sizes, and enjoy every creamy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy flavor that’s utterly comforting.
- Quick preparation—dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- Perfectly cooked rotini that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Hearty chicken packed with protein for a satisfying meal.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delightful lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skimp on salting the pasta water; it’s the first layer of flavor. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream without losing too much creaminess. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken—keep an eye on it, and it should be juicy and tender, not dry. If you find the sauce is too thick, just add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. And remember, fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a lovely brightness to the dish. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your meal from good to absolutely amazing!
Variations
One of the best things about creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan is how versatile it is! You can easily change up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try shrimp or even diced turkey for a different twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cooked Italian sausage for a hearty flavor!
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrients. You could also sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the garlic for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. For a more exotic flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or even a dash of lemon zest for brightness.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pecorino for a different taste profile. A little bit of cream cheese can also add extra creaminess!
- Pasta Alternatives: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes! Fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta can work beautifully in this dish.
Remember, the essence of this recipe is all about that creamy, garlicky goodness, so have fun experimenting and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan and now you’ve got leftovers—lucky you! To keep every bite as delightful as the first, it’s important to store it properly. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that creamy texture. The best method is to gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or extra cream to help revive the sauce and stir frequently until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful! Heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between to avoid any hot spots. Trust me, with these tips, your creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan will taste just as amazing as it did fresh out of the pan!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work just fine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to reheat it gently, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.
How can I make this dish healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also swap the chicken for grilled vegetables or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Adding extra greens is always a great way to boost the nutritional value!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for about 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Can I freeze creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or milk to bring back that creamy goodness.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini Parmesan: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan is a comforting pasta dish packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Toss cooked rotini with the sauce and chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust garlic to taste.
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 40g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: creamy garlic butter chicken rotini parmesan
