Try This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken and rigatoni dance in a bold parmesan garlic butter sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular and satisfying.

Pasta lovers crave comfort mixed with robust flavors.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces.

Rich parmesan adds depth to every delectable bite.

Each forkful promises a perfect harmony of ingredients.

Why Garlic Butter Rigatoni Is So Satisfying

• Conquer Weeknight Cooking: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making dinner preparation a breeze for home cooks of all levels.
• Satisfy Hungry Families: Packed with protein from chicken and rich, creamy sauce, this dish offers a crowd-pleasing meal that keeps everyone at the table happy and well-fed.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add extra vegetables to create a personalized version that matches your taste preferences and pantry availability.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that streamlines cooking process, reducing dishes and saving precious time after a busy day.

What Goes in This Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Rigatoni Pasta: A robust, tube-shaped pasta that captures sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying texture to the dish.

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the main star of the recipe, offering a tender and flavorful base for the creamy sauce.

• Butter, Chicken Broth: A rich combination that creates a flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce, adding depth and richness.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic ingredients that provide bold, savory flavor and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: A luxurious duo that transforms the sauce into a smooth, velvety texture with a sharp, nutty undertone.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a subtle, clean flavor to the finished dish.

Steps to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Drop rigatoni into a pot of salted boiling water. Cook until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Drain the water completely and set the pasta aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches full doneness.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create the Aromatic Base

Use the same skillet and add fresh butter.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle until the kitchen fills with a delightful fragrance. Pour chicken broth into the pan and stir, creating a flavorful liquid base.

Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce slightly.

Step 4: Build the Luxurious Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency. Let the sauce bubble gently and thicken.

Step 5: Combine All Elements

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the waiting rigatoni pasta and gently toss everything together.

Ensure each pasta strand and chicken piece gets generously coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Plate

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s steaming hot and wonderfully creamy.

Notes That Help Parmesan Sauce Shine Bright

• Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the sauce's richness and depth of flavor.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Prevent pasta from becoming soggy by slightly undercooking it before adding to the sauce, allowing it to finish cooking.
• Use freshly minced garlic for a more intense and aromatic flavor profile compared to pre-chopped alternatives.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and reduce butter quantity by half.

Tasty Tweaks for This Pasta Bowl Dinner

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Pasta Variation: Replace rigatoni with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Swap: Substitute chicken with pan-seared portobello mushrooms, keeping the garlic butter sauce and Parmesan for a hearty meatless version.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free, allergen-friendly adaptation of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for fresh oregano and basil to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Side Ideas That Go with Garlic Rigatoni

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, refreshing your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta and balancing the dish's heavy texture.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt, providing a caramelized, earthy complement to the chicken's rich flavors.

How to Store Chicken and Pasta Meals Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate when thawed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It’s a creamy, garlicky dish with mild seasoning from Italian herbs. You can add red pepper flakes if you want heat.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare components in advance. Cook chicken and pasta separately, then combine with sauce just before serving to maintain texture.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Absolutely! Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions. Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with rigatoni in a luxurious parmesan sauce, creating an Italian-inspired culinary symphony. Rich flavors and creamy textures blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this comforting pasta masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then sear in butter over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from skillet, then sauté minced garlic in remaining butter for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
4. Pour chicken broth into skillet, scraping any browned bits from bottom, and reduce liquid by one-third over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
5. Introduce heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until sauce transforms into a velvety, smooth consistency.
6. Return chicken to skillet, gently fold in cooked rigatoni, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the creamy parmesan sauce.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by patting it dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor development.
• Prevent sauce separation by gradually adding Parmesan cheese and stirring consistently to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Enhance dish depth by toasting garlic briefly to release nutty aromatics without burning, creating a more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg