Heavenly Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni & Parmesan

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? If your answer doesn’t involve tender chicken swimming in a heavenly garlic butter sauce while nestled among perfectly cooked rigatoni and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, then allow me to introduce you to the culinary hug that is Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan. This dish is the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly evening, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.

Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with laughter, the aroma of sizzling garlic wafting through the air, and family members gathering around the table, eagerly awaiting their plates. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends for a special occasion, this recipe promises to be an instant hit. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and one even declared it “the best thing since sliced bread!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how hungry everyone is; they cook evenly and stay juicy.

• Fresh Garlic: Select firm cloves for maximum flavor; there’s no such thing as too much garlic here.

• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose this pasta shape because its ridges hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you more control over salt levels; plus, it makes everything creamier.

• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious texture and rich flavor; don’t skimp on this ingredient if you want ultimate indulgence.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds that nutty goodness we all crave in Italian dishes.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs adds depth; feel free to adjust based on your personal preferences.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings elevate the flavors; always taste before serving!

• Fresh Parsley (optional): Use as a garnish for color and freshness; it brightens up the dish nicely.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping your garlic finely so it releases its aromatic goodness while cooking. Set aside your chicken breasts and let them rest at room temperature.

Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente—around 10-12 minutes should do! Drain but reserve some pasta water.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter until bubbly. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper then add them to the pan. Sear each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown.

Add Garlic Bliss: Once chicken is cooked through (about 165°F internal temperature), remove from skillet and let it rest. In the same pan over low heat, add remaining butter along with minced garlic; cook until fragrant but not browned.

Create Your Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese until melted—this makes everything creamy!

Toss It All Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with drained rigatoni. Toss everything together gently while adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Now serve your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan hot off the stove! Garnish with fresh parsley for that Instagram-worthy touch—and dig in!

Enjoy cooking this delightful dish full of flavor! Remember that food should be fun!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken to golden perfection first, then cook the rigatoni while preparing that luscious garlic butter sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out rigatoni for your favorite pasta or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

Cooking this dish reminds me of family nights when we gathered around the table, laughter mingling with the aroma of garlic butter wafting through the air.

FAQ

What should I serve with garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan?

A simple green salad or crusty bread pairs beautifully with this rich dish.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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• Author: Charlotte Evans
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to your table. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then tossed with al dente rigatoni in a creamy garlic butter sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the garlic and letting the chicken rest at room temperature.
2. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and reserve some pasta water.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear on both sides until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side).
4. Remove the chicken once cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and set aside.
5. In the same skillet on low heat, add remaining butter followed by minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
6. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer until slightly thickened. Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
7. Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with drained rigatoni. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg