It is 6pm. You are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new best friend for busy evenings.
There is nothing like a warm bowl of pasta on a cold winter night. This dish is cozy and filling. It delivers a huge protein boost without any extra stress.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This meal is perfect for those busy winter weeknights. You get a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It is packed with high-quality protein to keep you full.
Your kids will love the mild, cheesy flavor. You will love that it uses simple pantry staples. It is a total crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Cleanup is a breeze with this recipe. You only need a pot and one large skillet. It is truly beginner-friendly and fast to make.
Simple Method
The process is incredibly simple and efficient. You boil the pasta while searing the chicken. Everything comes together in one skillet at the end.
Making the sauce feels like magic. You just whisk cream and cheese together. It thickens into a velvety, golden sauce in minutes. Even if you are new to cooking, you can do this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely in your kitchen right now. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference here.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pasta warm in large, shallow bowls. It looks beautiful with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the rotini spirals.
Pair it with a simple side of roasted broccoli. A crisp green salad also cuts through the richness. It is the perfect comfort food for a quiet night.
Set the table and light a small candle. Enjoy this nourishing meal with your favorite people. It makes any weeknight feel a little more special.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. This recipe is great for meal prep lunches.
To reheat, use a small splash of milk. This brings the creamy texture back to life. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender.
Tips for Best Results
- Reserve your pasta water before draining the pot.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Sauté the garlic just until it smells fragrant.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear.
- Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the box suggests.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Stir in two cups of fresh spinach at the end.
- Swap rotini for penne or bowtie pasta.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tart kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it allergy-friendly.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They stay very juicy and have a rich flavor. Just ensure they are cooked to 165°F.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute. Adding more parmesan cheese will also help it thicken. It will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh for the creamiest texture. However, you can prep the chicken and garlic early. This makes the final cooking even faster at dinner time.
I hope this creamy pasta brings a little warmth to your table tonight. It is the perfect way to end a busy day with a smile. Happy cooking!
— Katie Wood
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sal t
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and sauce has thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
