Indulging in a plate of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is like wrapping yourself in a warm, buttery hug on a chilly evening. Imagine the intoxicating aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, mingling with tender chicken, all perfectly coated in a creamy sauce that clings to every piece of rigatoni. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen.
Now picture this: you’re hosting friends for dinner, and as they walk through the door, their noses twitch at the heavenly scent wafting from your kitchen. You can’t help but smile as they eagerly gather around the table, forks at the ready, anticipating a flavor explosion that will leave them raving about your culinary prowess for weeks to come. If that doesn’t make you want to dive into this recipe right now, I don’t know what will!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is incredibly easy to prepare even on busy weeknights
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, making every bite a delight
- Its gorgeous presentation ensures it steals the show at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry
My best friend once declared my Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan “life-changing.” Who knew garlic could bring people together like that?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many you’re serving.
-
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for an intense flavor; trust me, it makes all the difference.
-
Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully; don’t skimp on quality here.
-
Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over flavor; it’s all about balance!
-
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it adds an irresistible nuttiness to the dish.
-
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and luxurious; who doesn’t love a little indulgence?
-
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings warmth and depth to your dish; essential for that Italian flair.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those lovely flavors; don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the garlic finely. This step sets you up for success as you’ll be moving swiftly through cooking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while dreaming of cheesy goodness.
Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt half of your butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side—while enjoying those mouthwatering aromas.
Add Garlic & Cream Sauce: Remove chicken from skillet and add remaining butter along with minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—around 30 seconds—then pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously.
Toss in Pasta & Cheese: Return chicken to skillet along with cooked rigatoni. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning before tossing everything together until well combined.
Serve & Enjoy!: Plate your masterpiece while topping each serving with additional cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy this flavor-packed meal while basking in compliments from your friends or family!
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan isn’t just another recipe—it’s an invitation to gather around the table with loved ones for laughter and great conversation over something truly delicious!
You Must Know
- When making Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, use fresh garlic for the best flavor
- Be mindful of your pasta cooking time; overcooked rigatoni might turn mushy
- Lastly, make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving for perfection
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the delicious garlic butter sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready at the same time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different pasta types or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also give your dish a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness in your dish
- Letting your chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy
- Finally, adding a splash of lemon juice enhances flavors beautifully
Cooking this dish brings back memories of my family’s Sunday dinners, where laughter filled the air as we dug into bowls of creamy pasta together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
What’s the best way to ensure my rigatoni is al dente?
Cook it according to package instructions but check a minute early for perfect texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free too.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that transforms a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed to golden perfection and enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, served over ridged rigatoni that captures every bit of goodness. With just the right amount of fresh Parmesan sprinkled on top, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it’s a meal that brings people together.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by finely chopping the garlic and measuring out all components.
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
- Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until combined.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked rigatoni; toss with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
