Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Rotini

Indulge in a comforting plate of creamy garlic chicken pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat. Tender chicken, al dente rotini, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together in a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Prep Time:

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Add the cooked rotini and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy garlic sauce.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

5. Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a rich, comforting meal.

Tips for Extra Flavor

• Sear chicken over medium-high heat without moving it too much to get a nice golden crust.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for added color and nutrition.

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Stir in mozzarella or fontina cheese for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or hot sauce to the cream sauce for a subtle heat.
• Keto Version: Replace rotini with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.