Garlic Butter Chicken

Whenever the family's hungry for something hearty, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken never lets me down. That thick sauce completely covers the chicken and twisty pasta, and since it's all done in a single skillet, there's barely any washing up. The best part? You can whip up something that tastes just like restaurant food with almost no effort, even when you're totally beat after a long day.

I first threw this together during a pantry-empty emergency dinner, and now the kids beg for it constantly. It's my go-to when friends unexpectedly show up at my door.

Delicious Ingredients

• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of green and fresh taste on top, completely optional
• Rotini pasta: The spirals catch all that sauce and stay nice and chewy in creamy recipes
• Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty, rich kick—grab a block and grate it yourself for the meltiest result
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky base—the fresher the better for amazing flavor
• Chicken broth: Builds depth—try to get the reduced-sodium version so you can adjust seasoning yourself
• Fresh garlic: A must-have that should feel solid and smell strong for best results
• Butter: Makes everything velvety—fancy European kinds give extra richness if you've got them
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Quick way to pack in extra flavor without much work
• Salt and black pepper: Grind the pepper right before using for maximum punch
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Simple to dice and always turn out juicy, just make sure they smell fresh and feel firm
• Olive oil: Gets you that nice brown crust and stops chicken from sticking—better quality means better taste

Simple Cooking Steps

Bring It All Together:

Let everything bubble for a couple more minutes until hot throughout and flavors come together. Throw some parsley on top if you want and serve it up immediately for the creamiest experience.

Combine The Parts:

Put your cooked chicken back in the pan and dump in the drained pasta. Use tongs or a big spoon to mix until everything's coated in that amazing sauce.

Add The Cheese:

Toss in your Parmesan and keep stirring until it's completely melted and your sauce looks glossy and ultra-creamy.

Create The Sauce:

Add the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Then pour in the cream—keep heat at medium-low and let it bubble gently for about three minutes until it starts to thicken.

Cook The Garlic:

Using the same pan, drop in the butter and let it melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Don't let it turn brown or it'll taste bitter.

Brown The Chicken:

Heat up a large skillet over medium with olive oil. Add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and don't move them for three minutes. Then stir and cook another three minutes until no longer pink inside. Take it out and set aside.

Prep The Chicken:

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and blot them with paper towels. Put them in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing until evenly coated.

Cook The Pasta:

Drop your rotini into boiling salted water for around eight minutes. You want it slightly firm, not mushy! Drain it and set aside while you work on the rest.

Pin it

I always go for fresh garlic in this dish—nothing beats that amazing smell filling up the kitchen. When my little one helps me chop it up, we always taste a tiny bit as a preview that dinner's coming soon and we're both super excited.

Store Extras

Put any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta will drink up sauce overnight, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back the creaminess. Warm it slowly on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave to keep it from getting dry.

Ingredient Alternatives

You can swap in chicken thighs for more tender meat, and penne or fusilli work great instead of rotini. Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of cream. No Parmesan around? Try Pecorino or even sharp cheddar for a different but equally tasty twist.

Pairing Suggestions

We love this with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies for balance and crunch. Don't forget crusty garlic bread for scooping up that amazing sauce. For something extra fancy, add a tiny bit of lemon zest or good olive oil drizzled on top just before serving.

Pin it

When you need something comforting after a crazy day, this creamy dish with its rich sauce and comforting flavor never fails to lift your spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch up the pasta?

Absolutely. Rotini soaks up sauce well, but you could use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you've got.

→ How can I keep the sauce smooth?

Keep the heat gentle when adding cream and cheese, and stir the whole time to avoid anything separating.

→ Can I swap chicken breast for thighs?

For sure, boneless thighs give a juicier result. Use a similar amount for a bit more flavor.

→ Is this a make-ahead dish?

It is! Warm it back up slowly and add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauciness back.

→ What toppings go well?

Fresh parsley is a classic, but you could try basil or generous cracks of fresh black pepper for an extra touch.