Cheesy Chicken Rotini

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Rotini recipe, a one-pan wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for a cozy family dinner. Featuring tender rotini pasta, bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken breast, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, this dish is as rich in flavor as it is easy to prepare. The homemade roux-based sauce, enhanced with whole milk and chicken broth, ensures a velvety texture that clings to every twist of pasta. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this hearty meal comes together in just 45 minutes and serves four. Whether you're craving comfort food or hosting a casual dinner, this cheesy pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite! Perfect for searches like "easy cheesy pasta recipes," "creamy rotini dishes," and "weeknight chicken dinners."

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 6

Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.

Step 7

Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the drained rotini pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 9

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1918.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4090.3

Total Fat 186.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 826.1mg	0%
Sodium 6246.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.8g	0%
Total Sugars 36.6g
Protein 293.7g	0%

Vitamin D 267.3IU	0%
Calcium 3315.3mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 3298.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.1%

Protein: 28.8%

Carbs: 30.1%