Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter sauce, combined with al dente rigatoni pasta and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or rigatoni for similar results.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, rigatoni recipe, creamy chicken pasta, Parmesan chicken pasta, easy Italian dinner
