Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini, a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with creamy garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Title: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini: A Comforting, Flavorful Dish
Introduction: If you’re craving a rich and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, garlic, butter, and pasta, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini is just what you need! The creamy sauce coats the rotini pasta beautifully, and the chicken adds a hearty protein that makes this dish a complete meal. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The garlic butter sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and buttery, adding incredible flavor to the chicken and pasta.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or 1 tbsp fresh herbs like basil or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat in your dish.
- Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor, or even use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Use Half-and-Half: If you want a lighter version of this dish, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half.
Conclusion: This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rotini is a rich, comforting, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The creamy garlic butter sauce is full of flavor, while the rotini pasta and tender chicken make it a filling meal everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite! Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits