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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil rigatoni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet, then sauté minced garlic in remaining butter for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour chicken broth into skillet, scraping any browned bits from bottom, and reduce liquid by one-third over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until sauce transforms into a velvety, smooth consistency.
- Return chicken to skillet, gently fold in cooked rigatoni, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated with the creamy parmesan sauce.
- 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