Name: Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Easy Pasta Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those meals that brings comfort and flavor together in a way that’s hard to beat. I came up with this dish on a weeknight when I needed something hearty, cheesy, and fast—and it ended up becoming one of my go-to dinners. The rotini noodles hold onto every bit of the rich, cheesy sauce, and when you add in the juicy garlic parmesan chicken, it’s just the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table quiet with satisfaction.

What I love most about this pasta dinner is how effortlessly it comes together, while still tasting like something you spent hours preparing. It’s family-friendly, picky-eater approved, and perfect for nights when you want something warm and indulgent without having to think too hard. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want delicious leftovers, this recipe delivers.

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

Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The sauce is rich, smooth, and absolutely packed with flavor thanks to a blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and cream.
Bold Garlic Parmesan Chicken: The chicken is seasoned and pan-seared for a crispy outside and tender inside, infused with garlic and coated in melted parmesan.
Quick and Easy: This dinner comes together in about 30 minutes—great for busy weeknights.
Comfort Food Favorite: It’s filling, comforting, and hits all the right notes when you want a satisfying meal.
Leftovers Taste Even Better: Like many pasta dishes, this one develops even deeper flavor the next day.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook quickly, while thighs offer a bit more juiciness and flavor. I usually go with breasts because they slice beautifully over the rotini and absorb that garlic-parmesan coating perfectly. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.

If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a decent shortcut. Just shred it, toss it in the garlic-parmesan mixture, and heat it gently in the sauce before mixing with the pasta.

Options for Substitutions

Pasta: No rotini? No problem. Penne, fusilli, or even farfalle all work well with this sauce. You just want a pasta shape that can hold onto that creamy, cheesy coating.
Cheese: Swap mozzarella for provolone or Monterey Jack if that’s what you have. Just make sure your cheese melts well.
Cream: You can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, but heavy cream gives the richest texture.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch. Just reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Chicken: Vegetarian? You can use sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower instead of chicken. The garlic parmesan flavor still shines through beautifully.

Ingredients for Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible comfort food appeal.

Rotini Pasta
Its spiral shape holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
These are seasoned and pan-seared to create that golden crust, then coated with garlic and parmesan for bold flavor.
Fresh Garlic
Essential for that deep, savory aroma and sharp kick that defines garlic parmesan chicken.
Parmesan Cheese
Sharp, nutty, and salty—this cheese adds depth and blends beautifully into both the sauce and chicken coating.
Mozzarella Cheese
Adds melty, creamy goodness to the sauce, making it stretch and cling to the pasta like a dream.
Heavy Cream
The base of the sauce—thick, luscious, and indulgent. It makes everything come together in one creamy coating.
Butter
Used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce. It also gives the chicken a golden sear.
Olive Oil
Helps sear the chicken evenly and adds flavor depth to the cooking fat.
Salt & Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every other ingredient.
Italian Seasoning
Adds a herby background to both the chicken and the creamy sauce, tying it all together.

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and a bit of butter. Sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the parmesan and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Toss the cooked rotini into the sauce and stir to coat each piece. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish

Slice the rested chicken into strips and either mix it into the pasta or lay it over the top for presentation. Give everything a final stir, and season to taste with extra salt, pepper, or more cheese if desired.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish comes together surprisingly fast—ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Pasta Cooking Time: About 8–10 minutes for rotini, depending on the brand.
Chicken Cooking Time: 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Sauce Prep Time: Around 5–7 minutes to sauté garlic, melt the cheese, and combine everything.

Total time from start to finish: About 30–35 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Pound Chicken Evenly: This helps it cook uniformly and prevents dry or undercooked spots.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated gives the creamiest sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking (al dente) helps it finish cooking in the sauce without getting mushy.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid can rescue your sauce if it gets too thick or dry.
Let Chicken Rest: After cooking, rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Stir Sauce Constantly While Adding Cheese: This prevents clumps and creates that silky, restaurant-style texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes like this one can trip you up if you’re not paying attention. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

Using Cold Cheese Straight from the Fridge
Cold cheese can clump in your sauce. Let it come to room temperature before adding it in.
Skipping the Pasta Water
Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water. It’s key for thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
Overcooking the Chicken
Dry chicken ruins the texture contrast. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s just right—165°F is the sweet spot.
Not Stirring While Melting the Cheese
Cheese needs consistent motion and low heat to melt smoothly. Walk away, and you risk a lumpy sauce.
Crowding the Pan When Searing Chicken
Give the chicken space or it’ll steam instead of getting that beautiful golden crust.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This dish is rich and satisfying, so it pairs well with lighter, fresher sides to balance things out.

A Crisp Caesar Salad

The crunch and tang of romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing complement the creamy pasta perfectly.

Steamed Broccoli

A healthy, simple side that adds color and a touch of bitterness to offset the richness.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

Because you’ll want something to scoop up that leftover sauce on your plate.

Cherry Tomato & Basil Salad

Bright, juicy tomatoes tossed with olive oil and basil bring freshness and acidity to the table.

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

A cool, crisp side with a vinegar-based dressing that cuts through the heaviness.

Sautéed Spinach with Lemon

Quick, easy, and adds some leafy greens to the meal without overpowering the main dish.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Iced Tea

If you want a drink pairing, Chardonnay’s buttery notes go well with the cheesy sauce—or keep it casual with iced tea.

Storage Instructions

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even better the next time around.
Freezer: While you can freeze this pasta, the creamy sauce may separate slightly when reheated. If freezing, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Stir gently and heat slowly for best texture.

Estimated Nutrition

These values are for a generous single serving (1/4 of the full recipe), and may vary based on exact ingredients used:

Calories: ~680 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

This dish is hearty and indulgent—definitely comfort food, but still packed with protein and satisfying enough that a single serving goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best if I don’t have rotini?

Any short pasta that holds sauce well will work—penne, fusilli, bowtie (farfalle), or even shells. The key is picking a shape with texture or ridges to catch the creamy sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just shred or chop the pre-cooked chicken and warm it in the garlic parmesan sauce for a few minutes before combining it with the pasta. It’s a great time-saver.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten it up, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, and use grilled chicken breast or chicken tenderloins.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can cook everything and assemble the dish in advance, then reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a skillet over low heat with a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just stir halfway through and add a small splash of liquid.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free rotini and checking that your cheese and seasoning blends are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or even chickpeas for a hearty, vegetarian version.

Can I bake this pasta after assembling it?

Absolutely. Pour everything into a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Conclusion

Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those dinners that feels a little indulgent but totally worth every bite. It hits that sweet spot between comfort food and quick weeknight cooking—rich, creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor. I’ve made this countless times and it never fails to satisfy, whether I’m feeding my family, guests, or just prepping something cozy for myself.

So next time you’re stuck wondering what to make for dinner, keep this one in your back pocket. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a leftover hero, and the kind of meal that just makes people smile.