Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken over Creamy Rotini
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken over Creamy Rotini is a delightful dish that never fails to impress. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, golden and crispy, smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and nestled atop creamy rotini pasta. It’s a comforting meal that stands out for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike. I often whip this up when I want something that feels gourmet yet comes together in a snap. Once you serve it, expect your loved ones to swarm to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is incredibly appealing for several reasons. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few steps and ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that delights both kids and adults. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using accessible ingredients that can be found in any grocery store.
"This is our new family favorite! The chicken is so crispy, and the creamy sauce is a huge hit with our kids!" – Sarah J., happy home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special. First, you’ll cook the rotini pasta to an al dente perfection while simultaneously creating that crispy garlic butter chicken. The integration of these distinct components culminates in a meal that balances textures and flavors spectacularly. You’ll love how quickly this comes together, allowing ample time to enjoy your meal with family or friends.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list before we dive into cooking:
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for a kick)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp butter (for the sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if sauce needs thinning)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
Feel free to swap the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options if that suits your dietary needs!
Directions to Follow
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Cook the Rotini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
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Cook the Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken: Season the chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Lower the heat, add the butter and minced garlic, tossing to coat the chicken in the garlicky goodness for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
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Make the Creamy Rotini Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, then mix in Parmesan and mozzarella. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water if needed for a nice, silky consistency.
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Combine Pasta & Chicken: Toss the cooked rotini in the creamy sauce until it’s fully coated. Top it off with the crispy chicken pieces.
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Serve & Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for that little extra flair!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This dish is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A crispy green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, making it a fantastic accompaniment. For a luxurious touch, consider a glass of white wine to elevate your dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve got leftovers, you’re in luck! They store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works, but to restore some of its original crispiness, try reheating in a skillet over low heat. If you want longer storage, consider freezing the creamy rotini without the chicken. It’s best to consume frozen meals within three months.
Extra Advice
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for an hour before cooking.
- Don’t hesitate to customize the spice level. Add more chili flakes if you enjoy heat!
- For a bit of crunch, consider topping with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
Creative Twists
This is a flexible recipe! Try adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to your creamy sauce. Alternatively, swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary needs. The possibilities are endless!
Your Questions Answered
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
It typically takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it great for a weeknight dinner.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Now you have all the insights to create this Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken over Creamy Rotini at home. Enjoy crafting this delectable dish that is bound to impress!
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken over Creamy Rotini
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Season the chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Lower the heat, add the butter and minced garlic, tossing to coat the chicken in the garlicky goodness for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer.
- Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, then mix in Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water if needed for a nice, silky consistency.
- Toss the cooked rotini in the creamy sauce until it’s fully coated.
- Top it off with the crispy chicken pieces.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for that little extra flair!
