When you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the answer. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together in one skillet to create a meal the whole family will love. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made easily at home with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

The best part about this recipe? It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter creates a rich, savory base, while the Parmesan cheese and cream transform the sauce into something irresistibly silky and satisfying.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and walk through the first steps of bringing this creamy pasta dish to life.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

STEP 1: COOK THE PASTA

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to boil it in salted water to enhance the flavor of the pasta itself. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.

STEP 2: COOK THE CHICKEN

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and golden edges. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

The chicken will be added back later, allowing it to soak up the flavors of the rich Parmesan sauce.

STEP 3: SAUTÉ THE GARLIC

Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant without browning too much, as burnt garlic can add bitterness to the sauce.

Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now that the pasta is cooked, the chicken is perfectly browned, and the garlic has been sautéed, it’s time to bring all these delicious elements together with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. This part of the process is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

STEP 4: MAKE THE SAUCE

With the garlic sautéed in butter, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. The broth helps deglaze the skillet, picking up all the flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken and garlic.

Once the broth is simmering, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The Parmesan will give the sauce its signature rich, savory flavor, while the cream creates that luscious, silky texture.

If needed, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little extra broth or cream until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

STEP 5: COMBINE CHICKEN AND PASTA

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, making sure it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. Then add the cooked rotini pasta, gently tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly distributed and well coated.

This step allows all the flavors to come together, with the pasta soaking up the rich garlic butter Parmesan sauce while the chicken stays juicy and tender.

STEP 6: SIMMER

Allow the skillet to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This brief simmer helps the flavors fully blend while ensuring everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly to coat the pasta perfectly.

Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to make sure the sauce remains creamy and smooth.

STEP 7: GARNISH AND SERVE

Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce.

Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. This creamy garlic butter chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for extra veggies.
• For a little extra heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

By now, your Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is ready to serve — creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This recipe is not only quick and satisfying but also highly adaptable. In this final section, we’ll cover some of the most common questions, helpful variations, and final tips so you can feel confident making this dish any night of the week.

1. CAN I USE OTHER TYPES OF PASTA?
Yes. While rotini works great, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, bowtie, or any pasta you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

2. CAN I USE CHICKEN THIGHS INSTEAD OF CHICKEN BREAST?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and often stay even juicier than chicken breast. Dice them the same way as the breast meat for even cooking.

3. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE HEAVY CREAM?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit thinner. For a richer texture, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese if using milk.

4. CAN I MAKE THIS DISH AHEAD OF TIME?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook everything ahead, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

5. HOW DO I PREVENT THE SAUCE FROM GETTING GRAINY?
Make sure to stir the sauce constantly when adding the Parmesan and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added. Low, gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth.

6. CAN I ADD VEGETABLES TO THIS DISH?
Yes. Spinach, broccoli, or peas make great additions. Stir them in during the last few minutes of simmering so they stay bright and tender.

7. IS THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE?
The sauce itself is gluten-free, but you’ll need to use gluten-free pasta if serving to someone with gluten intolerance.

FINAL THOUGHTS: CREAMY, COMFORTING, AND FULL OF FLAVOR

This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the perfect go-to recipe when you need something fast, comforting, and full of rich flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that feels special without requiring a lot of time or effort.

It’s easy to customize with your favorite pasta shapes, extra veggies, or even a little kick of spice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy meal at home, this creamy garlic butter chicken is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and satisfying bite!

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