Get ready to fall head over heels for this Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe—a truly comforting dish loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender, garlicky chicken that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe effortlessly combines the perfect texture of rotini pasta with a rich, luscious sauce and savory chicken that will have you savoring every bite. It’s an absolute delight to serve to friends and family, or even to treat yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering the ultimate flavor, texture, and color that make this Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe truly special. From the creamy cheeses to the fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, every element works in harmony to create magic on your plate.
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta holds onto sauce beautifully, but you can also use penne or fusilli for a similar effect.
- 2 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender, perfect for slicing into strips; thighs make a great alternative for extra flavor.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken to perfection; can be swapped with canola oil if desired.
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Enhances the sauce’s creaminess and adds depth; margarine can be used as a substitute.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced for that vibrant, aromatic punch you want in every bite—skip the jarred garlic here.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Optional if you’ve used fresh garlic, but it boosts the garlic flavor if included.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The secret to that indulgent, silky sauce; half-and-half works if you prefer something lighter.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds bold cheesiness; mozzarella or a cheese blend are tasty alternatives.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick; for a vegan option, nutritional yeast is a clever swap.
- 1 tsp Salt: Balances all flavors perfectly—kosher salt is ideal for seasoning.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and depth.
- 1 tsp Paprika: Adds smoky warmth; cayenne pepper is a great spicy twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Freshens up the dish with bright color and flavor—basil or chives can work too.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your rotini pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s tender but still has a slight bite—al dente is what we’re aiming for. Drain the pasta and keep it ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the boneless chicken breasts into strips that will cook evenly and soak up all the seasoning. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika generously to build flavor that will stand out in every mouthful.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add your seasoned chicken strips and cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden color and are cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside, keeping it warm and juicy.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In that same skillet, reduce the heat and sauté freshly minced garlic until fragrant—this is your aromatic base. Pour in the heavy cream and slowly add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, until the sauce comes together smoothly and thickens slightly to coat your pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained rotini to the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy sauce, making sure every piece is luxuriously covered. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the cheesy rotini and arrange your golden garlic parmesan chicken strips on top. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that irresistible pop of green and freshness.
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of herbaceous freshness. For an extra touch of luxury, consider sprinkling some extra Parmesan cheese or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread adds delightful texture and balance. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the creamy, cheesy flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the rotini in shallow bowls with the chicken strips fanned out over the top. You can also toss the parsley directly into the pasta and serve it in a big communal dish for gatherings, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later: Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that fresh parsley is best added fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more flavor and juiciness, making your Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe even more tender and delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the chicken and load up on your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, to complement the creamy cheesy sauce.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes! While cheddar and Parmesan create a perfect cheese combo, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder flavor or a cheese blend for more complexity.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half works well to lighten things up, but if that’s not available, you can create a creamy base using milk and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Try substituting paprika with cayenne pepper or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a nice kick that balances the cheese’s richness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe—it’s a surefire way to bring comfort, rich flavor, and a bit of delicious indulgence to your dinner table. So why wait? Grab those ingredients, dive into your kitchen, and create a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
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Indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This indulgent Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender strips of garlic-seasoned chicken sit atop creamy, cheesy rotini pasta tossed in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers rich flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (Can be swapped with penne or fusilli.)
Chicken
- 2 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts (Thighs are a good substitute.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Can be omitted if using fresh garlic.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Consider using kosher salt.)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika (Cayenne is a good spicy option.)
Cooking Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can swap with canola.)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Margarine works too.)
Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced, avoid jarred.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Use half-and-half for a lighter alternative.)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Mozzarella or cheese blend can substitute.)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can work for a vegan option.)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Basil or chives can also be used.)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the boneless chicken breasts into strips and season evenly with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and in the same skillet, sauté the freshly minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
- Serve the Dish: Plate the cheesy rotini pasta, top with the garlic parmesan chicken strips, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Substitute penne or fusilli pasta if rotini is unavailable.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Mozzarella or a cheese blend can replace cheddar for a milder flavor.
- Adjust paprika for desired spiciness or use cayenne for extra heat.
- Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor; avoid jarred garlic for this recipe.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
