If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. This delightful dish combines perfectly cooked spiral rotini pasta that grips onto every creamy cheesy bit with tender garlic parmesan chicken strips that are bursting with flavor. The marriage of sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan, and rich heavy cream transforms simple ingredients into an utterly indulgent meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe will quickly earn a spot as one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of rich, comforting flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role, from the spiral rotini that catches sauce in every twist to the perfectly seasoned chicken that brings protein and savoriness to the table.
- Rotini Pasta (8 ounces): Its spiral shape holds the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
- Salt (1 teaspoon for pasta and 1 teaspoon for chicken): Essential for enhancing natural flavors, don’t skip seasoning at every stage.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): Provides juicy protein; slicing into strips helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A healthy fat that helps brown the chicken perfectly, adding a lovely caramelized crust.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds extra richness while sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic offers aromatic depth that instantly elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): For an additional garlic kick in the seasoning; just the right touch of savory punch.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and a hint of color, adjustable based on your spice preference.
- Black Pepper (1 teaspoon, freshly ground): Enhances overall taste with mild heat and complexity.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Forms the luscious base of the creamy cheese sauce, making everything delightfully silky.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): The star cheese for gooey, melty goodness that clings to every twist of pasta.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds savory umami flavor and depth, sprinkled generously for maximum impact.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish right before serving.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is key here to give the pasta flavor from the inside out. Add the rotini and cook it until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes—this ensures a perfect bite that isn’t mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, making sure not to rinse it to preserve the pasta’s natural starchiness, which helps sauce cling better.
Step 2: Prepare and Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, slice your boneless chicken breasts into uniform strips so they cook quickly and evenly. Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the chicken strips and season them generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken off the heat and keep it warm to maintain juiciness.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic cloves. Sauté them just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the heavy cream and slowly whisk in the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. This sauce is the heart of the Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe—rich, velvety, and totally crave-worthy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
It’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Gently toss to coat every spiral with creamy goodness, then let it simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes so the pasta can soak up all those robust flavors. The sauce should cling beautifully to the rotini, making it irresistible.
Step 5: Serve with Chicken and Garnish
Transfer the luscious cheesy rotini onto a serving platter or individual plates. Nestle the golden garlic parmesan chicken strips on top so their juices mingle with the pasta beneath, creating an irresistible harmony. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that lovely burst of color and fresh, herbaceous contrast. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and vibrant garnish that adds a splash of green and fresh flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, you might sprinkle some additional grated parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also bring a silky finish and a touch of richness.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Think a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts that add a satisfying texture contrast. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is always a welcome companion to mop up any cheesy sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting this dish in individual rustic bowls can make each serving feel special and cozy. For a dinner party, you could serve the chicken separately on a platter, letting guests customize their portions. Another idea is layering the pasta and chicken in a cast iron skillet for a homey, family-style presentation that keeps everything warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, but simply add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring it back to that luscious texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Portion the Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that texture might change slightly due to the cream sauce, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a little cream or milk if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving in short bursts with stirring in between also works well for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the sauce thanks to its spiral shape, penne or shell pasta can be wonderful alternatives that also capture the cheesy goodness nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe stores well in the fridge and freezer. It reheats beautifully with just a little cream or milk added, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Can I make this dish less rich?
Yes, to lighten it up, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese slightly. However, keep in mind this will affect that signature indulgent creaminess.
What can I substitute for fresh garlic?
If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can use an additional 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic truly brings the best aroma and flavor in this recipe.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, just be sure to add the chicken to the sauce at the end to warm through without overcooking. Freshly sautéed chicken has the best texture and juicy flavor, though, so it’s worth the extra step when possible.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe enough—it’s an absolute showstopper whether you’re cooking for family or friends. The creamy, cheesy sauce with tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in perfectly cooked rotini makes every forkful a delight. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight. Tender strips of garlic and paprika-seasoned chicken are sautéed to perfection and paired with al dente spiral rotini pasta smothered in a luscious cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce. This quick 30-minute meal combines rich textures and fresh herbs for a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasonings
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for pasta boiling)
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside without rinsing to preserve starchiness.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice boneless chicken breasts into strips. Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and gradually whisk in shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to warm through. The sauce should be luscious and creamy.
- Serve: Transfer the cheesy rotini to a serving platter. Arrange the sautéed chicken strips on top to allow their juices to mingle with the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh color contrast. Serve hot while creamy and delicious.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to keep the sauce sticking nicely to the rotini.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Adjust paprika and garlic powder levels to your spice preference.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce will be less rich.
