Description
Looking for a quick, cheesy dinner that’s both comforting and easy to make? This Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your new go-to! Juicy garlic-seasoned chicken sits atop a bed of creamy rotini noodles loaded with melted cheddar and mozzarella. It’s a family-friendly, one-skillet solution for busy weeknights and one of the most satisfying easy dinner ideas you can whip up in under 40 minutes. Perfect for lovers of pasta, cheesy comfort food, and flavorful chicken dishes, this recipe is also great for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or when you just want something cozy and quick. If you’re looking for easy recipe ideas, pasta dinners, or food ideas that impress, this one hits the spot.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
12 oz rotini pasta
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1.5 cups whole milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Toss with Parmesan. Coat lightly in breadcrumbs if using.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.
5. Reduce heat. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until creamy.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
7. Add chicken on top and gently combine.
8. Sprinkle with extra cheese and cover for 2 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Grate cheese fresh for better melting and texture.
Use reserved pasta water to control sauce thickness.
Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy with a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: cheesy rotini, garlic parmesan chicken, easy pasta dinner, creamy pasta, quick dinner