If there’s one dish that embodies comfort food at its finest, it’s this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple weeknight dinner into an unforgettable experience. I remember the first time I made this dish after a long day of running errands and juggling tasks, I was craving something rich and flavorful that wouldn’t take too much time. I was drawn to the idea of a creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and hearty pasta, and boy, was I glad I went with it!

The combination of garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni is truly a match made in heaven. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity yet, every bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a busy family dinner, entertaining friends, or even preparing a romantic meal for two, this dish fits every occasion with ease. Let’s dive into making this easy, comforting meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Gather these simple ingredients to make this flavorful dish:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
10 oz rigatoni pasta
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, typically about 9-11 minutes, until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save a little pasta water in case you need it later to adjust the sauce. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the cream to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Italian Seasoning

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a creamy, luscious texture. Taste the sauce, and if necessary, add more salt and pepper to suit your preferences.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring that it’s fully coated. Then, add the drained rigatoni pasta and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.

Variation:

There are several ways you can customize this dish to meet different dietary needs or personal preferences:

Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or turkey. Shrimp would pair perfectly with this garlicky butter sauce, making it a delicious seafood alternative.
Vegan Version: For a vegan twist, swap the chicken for a plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh), use dairy-free butter and cream, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Add More Veggies: If you want to make the dish even heartier, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. They’ll complement the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly while keeping all the creamy goodness intact.

Cooking Note:

Here are some important tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan comes out perfectly:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, make sure not to overcook it. It should only take about 6-8 minutes to cook through in the skillet. If it’s overcooked, it might become dry.
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes result in a less creamy sauce and can have a waxy texture.
Cream Sauce Consistency: If you find that your sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with several sides that will make the meal even more satisfying:

Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette makes a perfect side to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread to sop up all that creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with some roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a veggie-packed meal.

Tips:

Leftovers: Leftover garlic butter chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce from separating.
Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Cook everything ahead of time, divide it into individual containers, and refrigerate. It will make a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week.
Freezing: While the pasta can be frozen, the creamy sauce may change in texture after thawing. It’s best to store the chicken and pasta separately and combine them with fresh sauce when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 750 kcal per serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 900mg

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully here, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work great.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately and reheat when ready to serve. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Q3: Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. This will give the dish an extra kick without overpowering the flavor.

Q4: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. Frozen chicken might take a bit longer to cook.

Conclusion:

There’s something irresistible about the creamy, garlicky goodness of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan. It’s a dish that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do and don’t forget to share your experiences and leave a comment below. For more comforting pasta recipes, be sure to explore the other delicious options on my site!

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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