Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those comfort meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It has everything you crave in a pasta dish: tender rotini noodles coated in creamy cheese sauce, juicy garlic-infused chicken, and a sprinkle of parmesan to tie it all together. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly simple to put together.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that everyone at the table will agree on, this pasta dinner is a crowd-pleaser. It pairs the savory flavors of seasoned chicken with a velvety cheese sauce and hearty pasta, making it a go-to when you’re short on time but want something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is fast, flavorful, and forgiving. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to get restaurant-quality results. The chicken cooks quickly and soaks up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness while the rotini provides just the right amount of bite and texture. It’s also super customizable, meaning you can toss in veggies, swap cheeses, or use leftover chicken if you’re looking to save even more time.

Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes just as good reheated the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunch leftovers.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While rotini is the star here—thanks to its twisty shape that clings beautifully to the cheese sauce—you can absolutely switch it out if you have something else in the pantry. Penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta would work well too. But there’s a reason rotini is the go-to: all those ridges and curls hold onto the sauce in every bite. It turns a simple dinner into something that feels gourmet without the effort.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Before you get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. This pasta dish keeps it simple, but every component is doing something deliciously important. The ingredients are easy to find, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen.

Rotini pasta
Chicken breast
Garlic cloves
Parmesan cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Heavy cream
Butter
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Italian seasoning

You want rotini pasta for its shape that holds onto the sauce, making every bite extra cheesy. Chicken breast provides the lean protein and soaks up the garlic and parmesan flavors beautifully. Garlic cloves add that aromatic punch that transforms the whole dish. Parmesan cheese is essential for its salty, nutty profile, while shredded cheddar cheese brings in that creamy, melty comfort. Heavy cream and butter form the base of the sauce, giving it that rich, luscious texture. A dash of salt and pepper ties the flavors together, olive oil is used to sear the chicken to golden perfection, and Italian seasoning adds an herby backbone to round out the flavors.

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Easy Pasta Dinner 2

How To Make the Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds to infuse the butter, but don’t let the garlic brown.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until it begins to thicken slightly. Add shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and then add sliced chicken back in. Stir to combine and let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and chicken, and if desired, sprinkle with extra parmesan or chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is best served hot right off the stove while the cheese is still gooey and the chicken tender. It can easily feed 4 to 5 people as a hearty main course. You can serve it in a big pasta bowl family-style or plate it individually with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a little something extra.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the saucy texture. The flavors continue to develop, so the dish often tastes even better the next day.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Garlic Bread

A buttery, golden piece of garlic bread is practically made to go alongside this pasta. It helps scoop up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.

Simple Garden Salad

A fresh salad with crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly roasted with olive oil, salt, and lemon, broccoli makes for a healthy and crisp side dish that doesn’t compete with the bold pasta flavors.

Creamed Spinach

If you’re looking to double down on creamy textures, creamed spinach adds a touch of earthy flavor and pairs perfectly with the garlic parmesan base.

Bruschetta

Fresh diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and balsamic on toasted baguette slices bring brightness and crunch to your plate.

Caesar Salad

With its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, Caesar salad adds another layer of flavor without overwhelming the main dish.

Grilled Asparagus

This adds a smoky, earthy touch that complements the creamy pasta beautifully, especially when topped with lemon zest.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

The natural sweetness of roasted carrots meets the tang of balsamic vinegar, creating a side dish that feels just right with cheesy pasta.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken, there are plenty more cozy pasta dishes you’ll want to dig into. Here are a few reader favorites you can explore next:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich and meaty dinner classic.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need a fast, one-pan comfort meal.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving something indulgent with a Philly twist.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for fans of velvety sauces and hearty bites.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, savory dinner with minimal cleanup.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms? Maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes? I’d love to hear what twist you put on it.

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