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Creamy Rotini Chicken Pasta

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This creamy rotini chicken pasta blends tender, spiced chicken with buttery garlic, shallots, and a rich sundried tomato cream sauce. The rotini’s spiral shape soaks up every drop of flavor, making each bite rich and comforting. Finished with parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s an easy yet indulgent dish that comes together quickly. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it uses pantry staples and delivers big on texture and taste.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:15:29 GMT
A bowl of creamy rotini chicken pasta. Bookmark
A bowl of creamy rotini chicken pasta. | ioanacooks.com

This creamy rotini chicken pasta is my go to when I need something hearty and fast after a long day. The sauce hugs each spiral of pasta and the chicken adds satisfying protein without fuss. It is comfort food that comes together in less than thirty minutes.

I first whipped this up after a long shift and it became a regular request from my partner. The creamy sauce clings so well to the rotini it never fails.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: boneless skinless adds lean protein and cooks quickly
  • Sweet paprika: gives smoky warmth choose Hungarian for bold flavor
  • Dried oregano: provides an earthy background note
  • Garlic powder and fresh garlic: double layer of flavor go for firm cloves
  • Shallot: adds gentle sweetness and depth
  • Olive oil and butter: balance richness and flavor use quality extra virgin oil
  • Tomato paste: boosts umami look for deep red concentrate
  • Heavy cream: creates the velvety texture avoid light cream for best results
  • Sundried tomatoes: deliver concentrated flavor choose oil packed for more richness
  • Parmesan grated: adds sharp nutty finish fresh is best
  • Rotini pasta: spiral shape traps sauce go for bronze cut if possible
  • Fresh parsley: brightens the dish and adds color
  • Salt and pepper: essential to bring it all together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally then pound gently to even thickness. Season both sides with paprika garlic powder oregano salt and pepper. This ensures each piece is flavorful and cooks evenly.
Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt generously. Add rotini and cook until al dente about eight to ten minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and sear until golden and cooked through about four to five minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing into strips.
Build the Sauce:
In the same pan melt butter and add diced shallots and garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant and softened. Stir in tomato paste cooking until darkened. Pour in heavy cream and add sundried tomatoes. Simmer until slightly thickened and cohesive.
Combine and Serve:
Return sliced chicken and cooked rotini to the sauce. Toss everything together adding pasta water a splash at a time to loosen if needed. Stir in grated parmesan and finish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra cheese on the side.
A creamy rotini chicken pasta dish. Bookmark
A creamy rotini chicken pasta dish. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Fusilli can work in place of rotini though sauce retention may differ. Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor. Light cream can substitute heavy cream in a pinch though it may be less thick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a full meal. A chilled glass of white wine balances the richness beautifully.

A creamy rotini chicken pasta dish. Bookmark
A creamy rotini chicken pasta dish. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Rotini is a southern Italian shape that evolved from fusilli. It became popular for its ability to hold thick sauces making it a mainstay in comfort food pasta dishes.

I absolutely love using sundried tomatoes here. Their tangy intensity brings the creamy sauce to life and reminds me of Sunday dinners at home growing up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What makes rotini pasta good for creamy dishes?

Rotini’s spiral shape helps it trap creamy sauces effectively, making each bite rich and flavorful. It also maintains its structure well after cooking.

→ Can I substitute rotini with another pasta?

Yes, fusilli is a close alternative with a similar shape. However, rotini has tighter spirals that hold thicker sauces better.

→ How do I keep the chicken tender in this dish?

Pound the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking. Sear it on medium heat until just cooked through, then let it rest before slicing.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Sundried tomatoes are used here, but spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini also complement the creamy texture and enhance nutrition.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce.

Creamy Rotini Chicken Pasta

Creamy rotini pasta with tender chicken and rich sundried tomato sauce ready in just 20 minutes.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Italian

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Protein and Seasoning

Ingredient 01 10 oz chicken breast
Ingredient 02 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
Ingredient 03 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Ingredient 05 0.5 tablespoon onion powder
Ingredient 06 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Aromatics and Fats

Ingredient 07 1 shallot, finely diced
Ingredient 08 4 garlic cloves, finely diced
Ingredient 09 3 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 10 4 tablespoons butter

→ Sauce and Garnish

Ingredient 11 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Ingredient 12 200 ml heavy cream
Ingredient 13 0.25 cup sundried tomatoes
Ingredient 14 0.25 cup parmesan, grated
Ingredient 15 Fresh parsley, finely chopped

→ Pasta

Ingredient 16 10 oz rotini pasta

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Slice chicken breasts horizontally and pound to even thickness. Season with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Boil salted water and cook rotini until al dente, 8–10 minutes. Drain and reserve pasta water.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a pan. Sear chicken on medium heat until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 04

In the same pan, sauté shallots and garlic in butter. Stir in tomato paste, then add cream and sundried tomatoes. Simmer until combined.

Step 05

Add cooked rotini to sauce with a splash of reserved water. Stir in parmesan and sliced chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Extra Tips

  1. Cook pasta until just al dente to maintain ideal texture when combined with the sauce.
  2. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed for a silky finish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from butter, cream, and parmesan
  • Contains gluten from pasta

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 650
  • Total Fat: 35 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 55 grams
  • Protein Amount: 30 grams