Luscious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Comfort meets culinary delight in this luscious garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside al dente rigatoni, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each pasta strand with an irresistible blend of garlic and parmesan.

creamy and indulgent, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

The combination of juicy chicken and pasta promises a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Savor every delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

FAQs

• Why use heavy cream in the sauce?

Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture that helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta and chicken, delivering an indulgent and smooth dining experience.

• Can I substitute chicken breasts with other chicken cuts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Is Italian seasoning necessary for this recipe?

While not mandatory, Italian seasoning adds depth and authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary as a homemade alternative.

• How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it naturally.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni: Why It’s Special

• Master Balanced Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from quinoa, and fresh vegetables, this bowl delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in one delightful meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or available items – use different greens, replace chicken with tofu, or add extra veggies for a personalized culinary experience.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a wholesome dinner solution.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dish that looks stunning and tastes incredible, elevating home cooking without complex techniques.

Essential Components for Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the core of this delicious main course.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps develop a smooth, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety texture in the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Delivers depth and aromatic complexity to the chicken and sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory background flavor and helps create the sauce's liquid base.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that complements the rich dish.

Directions to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and keep warm.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

Cook in butter over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Make Sauce Base

Add chicken broth, scraping up pan drippings. Simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until silky.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Suggestions to Improve Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in juicy flavors.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense, smooth, and creamy sauce compared to pre-packaged options.
• Cook rigatoni just shy of package instructions to maintain al dente texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Crush garlic cloves slightly before mincing to release more aromatic oils and enhance overall taste profile.
• Chop herbs and grate cheese in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce total meal preparation time.

Ways to Personalize Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using same seasoning and cooking technique for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano and thyme, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean flavor profile.

Foods That Match Well with Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Pairing Wine to Elevate Flavor: Select a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Cheese Board Companion: Create a side cheese board with mild mozzarella, sharp aged parmesan, and soft brie to enhance the Italian-inspired pasta experience and provide textural contrast.
• Herbal Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken pasta, adding a fresh and zesty element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Crusty Bread Enhancer: Serve warm garlic bread or a rustic Italian ciabatta to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce, providing an extra layer of comfort and texture to the meal.

Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or cream. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking. Heat until thoroughly warmed, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce brings Italian comfort to dinner tables. Rich flavors meld together, creating a luxurious pasta experience that satisfies deep cravings with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.
3. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, keeping the flavorful skillet residue.
4. Reduce heat and add remaining butter with minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavors and slightly reduce liquid.
6. Whisk heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the skillet, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Allow to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add rigatoni. Gently toss to ensure every pasta piece and chicken morsel is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish. Serve hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Customize pasta shape by swapping rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or fettuccine for varied texture and visual appeal.
• Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender, juicy meat with richer flavor profile.
• Reduce sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream without compromising creamy consistency.
• Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra vegetables and color.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 718 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg