Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and Parmesan brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Aromas of rich, golden chicken mingle with pasta, promising a delightful meal.

Fragrant herbs dance around tender meat, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Creamy Parmesan melts into silky butter, coating each rigatoni perfectly.

Weeknight dinners become something special with this simple yet elegant dish.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum satisfaction, making you the kitchen hero.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. They cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes during cooking or sprinkle extra on top when serving. The amount of heat is totally up to your preference.

• Is it necessary to use Italian seasoning?

While Italian seasoning adds depth, you can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. The key is to ensure your chicken is well-seasoned.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the butter quantity, or opt for a lighter cheese like part-skim mozzarella. These small tweaks can help reduce overall calories.

Why Garlic Butter Rigatoni Stands Out

• Dive into a hassle-free meal that combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful skillet.
• Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Packed with rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy Parmesan, this dish satisfies everyone from picky eaters to gourmet lovers.
• Minimize cleanup with a single skillet that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Rigatoni

• Rigatoni Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides depth of flavor.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic, Chicken Broth: Add savory and aromatic elements to enhance the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide layers of seasoning and subtle heat.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the rigatoni and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out some pasta water – you’ll want this liquid gold later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Flavor

Grab a spacious skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium-high heat.

Slide the chicken pieces into the hot pan.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes silky smooth.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for half a minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Introduce heavy cream to the skillet, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes velvety smooth.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it luxuriously in the sauce.

Add the rigatoni and gently toss until every piece is gloriously covered.

Let everything mingle and warm through for a minute or two.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Remove the skillet from heat.

Scatter fresh parsley over the top, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and if you’re feeling adventurous, dust with red pepper flakes.

Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and irresistibly delicious.

Garlic Butter Rigatoni Pro Tips

• Salt the boiling water generously to infuse the rigatoni with delicious seasoning from within, creating a more flavorful base for your dish.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in juicy tenderness and develops rich, caramelized flavors.
• Use reserved pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce thickness, creating a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Sauté minced garlic quickly and watch carefully to avoid bitter burnt notes, releasing its aromatic flavors without turning dark or acrid.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and add off the heat to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

How to Reheat Garlic Butter Rigatoni

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Pour a little extra broth or cream to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sticking.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Rigatoni

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the creamy richness without overwhelming the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Spark Herb Companion: Sprinkle fresh basil or thyme alongside the dish to introduce a bright, aromatic dimension that cuts through the heavy cream and adds a fresh garden-like complexity.
• Boost Bread Selection: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the delectable sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Enhance Veggie Side: Roast a simple side of broccolini or asparagus with olive oil and sea salt, offering a light, green counterpoint to the hearty pasta and creating a balanced meal.

Garlic Butter Rigatoni Twists

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the creamy garlic butter sauce with the same cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rigatoni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use grilled chicken breast and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to lower the carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, garlicky flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free butter substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan elevates classic Italian comfort food with rich, creamy flavors. Succulent chicken meets perfectly cooked pasta, creating a hearty meal packed with aromatic garlic and smooth parmesan that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare rigatoni in a generously salted water bath, cooking until perfectly tender. Preserve a half cup of starchy liquid before draining, setting pasta aside.
2. Elevate a skillet with olive oil over robust heat. Introduce chicken pieces, seasoning comprehensively with salt, pepper, and aromatic Italian herbs. Sizzle for 5-7 minutes until achieving a golden exterior, then extract and reserve.
3. Utilize the identical skillet, melting butter gently. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its robust essence for approximately 30 seconds. Cascade chicken broth into the pan, simmering briefly while dislodging caramelized remnants.
4. Incorporate heavy cream, allowing the mixture to gently bubble and thicken over 3-4 minutes. Integrate Parmesan, whisking until achieving a velvety consistency. Adjust viscosity with reserved pasta liquid if necessary.
5. Reintroduce seared chicken into the luxurious sauce, then fold rigatoni thoroughly, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Allow brief interaction over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
6. Conclude preparation by removing from heat. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley, additional Parmesan shavings, and optional crimson pepper flakes for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and crispy exterior.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water gradually for ideal creamy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version if watching calories.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 754
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 493 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 148 mg