Here’s a rich, cozy, one-pot style recipe for Creamy Chicken & Rotini in Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Sauce — thick, cheesy, and full of flavor.
🍗🧀 Creamy Chicken & Rotini in Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
For the sauce + pasta
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10–12 oz rotini pasta (about ¾ of a box)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, parsley for garnish
🥘 Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add to pan and cook until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
- Remove to a plate and set aside.
2. Make the garlic roux
- In the same pan, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a paste (roux). Cook 1 minute.
3. Add liquids
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Add the milk or half-and-half.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add rotini
Pour in the uncooked rotini.
Cover and simmer 10–13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
(If sauce gets too thick before pasta cooks, add a splash more broth or milk.)
5. Add cheeses & chicken
Turn heat to low.
Stir in:
- cheddar
- Parmesan
Add cooked chicken back into the pot and mix.
Let everything melt together into a creamy sauce.
6. Serve
Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
⭐ Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: stir in 2–3 oz cream cheese.
- Veggie add-ins: spinach, broccoli, roasted peppers, peas.
- Spicy version: add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños.
- Bake it: transfer to a dish, top with more cheddar, and broil 3–4 minutes.
If you want, I can also create a one-pot version, an Instant Pot version, or a baked casserole version!
