Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Easy Pasta Dinner
why make this recipe
Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a perfect choice for a quick and easy pasta dinner that’s packed with flavor. This dish combines tender pasta with juicy chicken and a creamy cheese sauce that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients :
- 340g rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions :
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside to rest, then slice.
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil for 1–2 minutes. Add heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy pasta goodness.
how to serve Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serve Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken warm on a nice plate. Sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a pop of color. You can also add some garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.
how to store Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it up on the stove. If the sauce thickens after cooling, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating.
tips to make Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- For a little extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like it spicy.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, so use fresh Parmesan for the best results.
variation
You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version. Just sauté the veggies or shrimp until cooked through, then mix them into the cheese sauce with the pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and chicken ahead of time and combine them with the sauce right before serving.
2. What if I don’t have rotini pasta?
You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
3. Is it possible to freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just be aware that the texture of the pasta might change slightly when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can still taste good after freezing.
Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 340 g rotini pasta You can use any type of pasta you like.
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Make sure they are juicy and tender.
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for the best melting quality.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Additional cheesy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside to rest, then slice.
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil for 1–2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly
- Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy pasta goodness.