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Creamy Chicken Rotini

Creamy Chicken Rotini
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Creamy Chicken Rotini is a comforting and easy dinner recipe featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is family-friendly, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup fresh spinach or peas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Boil salted water for the rotini pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves, preparing all other ingredients within reach.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Drain the rotini pasta and toss it into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Optionally, fold in fresh spinach or peas for added color and nutrition.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once combined and warmed, remove from heat and plate your Creamy Chicken Rotini. For an extra touch, sprinkle with more Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it al dente and prevent mushiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently—avoid boiling to keep the sauce silky and prevent separation.
  • Slice garlic thinly or mince finely for even flavor distribution.
  • Warm the chicken before adding it back to the sauce to ensure juiciness and tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Rotini, chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, creamy sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-chicken-rotini/