this is comfort food on another level. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rotini. Here’s a foolproof recipe:
🐔 Creamy Chicken & Rotini in Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, diced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly golden and fully cooked (~5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside. - Make garlic cheese sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (~3–5 minutes).
- Add cheese:
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Combine:
Add cooked chicken and rotini to the sauce. Stir until everything is coated and heated through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
⭐ Pro Tips
- Creamier sauce: Use half & half instead of milk, or add a splash of cream.
- Cheese blend: Mix sharp cheddar + mozzarella for gooey goodness.
- Veggie boost: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to make it a one-pan meal.
- Make-ahead: Sauce can be made ahead; just reheat gently and stir in pasta and chicken.
🔥 Variations
- Spicy version: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or crushed red pepper
- Bacon chicken rotini: Toss in crispy bacon pieces
- Low-carb: Swap rotini for zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta