Name: Creamy Chicken Basil Rosa Rotini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Rotini pasta; 1 lb Chicken breast (skinless & boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tbsp Butter; 3 Cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup Marinara sauce; ½ cup Heavy cream ((or half-and-half)); ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated); ½ tsp Salt ((adjust to taste)); ¼ tsp Black pepper; ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional); ⅓ cup Fresh basil (chopped); ¼ cup Pasta water (reserved, use as needed)

Flavour Quest Recipes

Creamy Chicken Basil Rosa Rotini

This Creamy Chicken Basil Rosa Rotini is a comforting pasta dinner that blends rich tomato sauce with cream for a smooth, flavorful rosa sauce. Tender chicken and rotini are tossed together with fresh basil and Parmesan, creating a cozy, restaurant-style meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

12 oz Rotini pasta
1 lb Chicken breast skinless & boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Butter
3 Cloves garlic minced
1 cup Marinara sauce
½ cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp Black pepper
¼ tsp Red pepper flakes optional
⅓ cup Fresh basil chopped
¼ cup Pasta water reserved, use as needed

Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until smooth and combined.
Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and cooked chicken. Stir until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Enjoying this recipe? You may also love my Comfort Dinner Guide — a simple collection of easy, cozy meal ideas for busy weeknights. It’s a helpful extra resource for those nights when you want something comforting without overthinking dinner.

🔄 Variations

Swap rotini for penne, rigatoni, or fusilli

Use grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

Make it spicier with extra red pepper flakes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables

Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil

Enjoy with a simple tomato or Caesar salad

❄️ Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk

Freezing is not recommended, as the rosa sauce may separate

💡 Tips

Simmer the sauce gently to keep it smooth and creamy

Add basil at the end to preserve its fresh flavor

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

❓ FAQs

Q: What does “rosa” sauce mean?
A: Rosa sauce is a blend of tomato sauce and cream, creating a smooth, lightly creamy texture.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.

Q: Can I make this without chicken?
A: Yes. Simply omit the chicken or replace it with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: No, it’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes to increase heat.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.