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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 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until smooth and combined.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and cooked chicken. Stir until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
  6. Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.