It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. This garlic chicken rotini is your new secret weapon for busy nights. It is fast, filling, and incredibly comforting for the whole family.
You can have this warm meal ready in about 30 minutes. It delivers a rich, restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort. Your kitchen will smell amazing while the garlic simmers.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights during the winter. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of cream and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce quickly.
Your family will love the tender chicken and the fun rotini shape. It is a great way to feed a hungry crowd cheaply. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Simple Cooking Method
The process is very straightforward and perfect for beginner cooks. You boil the pasta while you sear the chicken in one pan. This keeps your cleanup minimal and your stress levels low.
The sauce builds right on top of the chicken juices for extra flavor. You do not need any fancy equipment to make this work. Just follow the steps and enjoy the creamy results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are mostly pantry staples that come together for a fresh taste.
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring 4 quarts of heavily salted water to a rolling boil and cook rotini for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Pat chicken dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken to skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Deglaze the skillet with heavy cream, scraping the bottom to incorporate fond, and simmer for 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is emulsified and smooth.
- Reserve 0.25 cup of pasta water, then drain the rotini.
- Incorporate the pasta into the skillet, tossing with the chicken and sauce until fully coated, adding reserved water if necessary for consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dish warm in large bowls for a cozy night in. It pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli. A slice of crusty bread helps soak up the extra sauce.
Gather your family around the table and enjoy the cheesy goodness together. This meal is great for catching up after a long day. It makes enough for everyone to feel satisfied and happy.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use a small skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. This keeps the pasta from getting too dry or oily. Avoid the microwave to maintain the creamy texture of the Parmesan.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water to build flavor from the start.
- Avoid burning the garlic or it will taste bitter and sharp.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a much smoother sauce than bagged shreds.
- Reserve your pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce thickness later.
- For a winter boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Pat the chicken very dry before searing to get a golden crust.
- Stir the pasta constantly when adding it to the sauce for even coating.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the chicken for sautéed shrimp for a special occasion twist.
- Use gluten-free rotini to make this dish safe for sensitive tummies.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end for greens.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a bright pop of sweet and tangy flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and stay very juicy. Just ensure they reach the correct internal temperature while searing. They add a richer flavor to the overall dish.
Is this recipe kid-approved?
Absolutely, most kids love the simple combination of chicken and cheesy pasta. The garlic flavor is mild enough for picky eaters to enjoy. It is a frequent request in many homes.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Simply whisk in a tablespoon of your reserved pasta water at a time. This will thin the sauce without losing the creamy flavor. It helps the sauce stick to every spiral of the rotini.
I hope this cozy garlic chicken rotini makes your winter evenings a little easier. It is such a joy to share a warm meal with the people you love. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts of heavily salted water to a rolling boil and cook rotini for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Pat chicken dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken to skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Deglaze the skillet with heavy cream, scraping the bottom to incorporate fond, and simmer for 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is emulsified and smooth.
- Reserve 0.25 cup of pasta water, then drain the rotini.
- Incorporate the pasta into the skillet, tossing with the chicken and sauce until fully coated, adding reserved water if necessary for consistency.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
