Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of pasta, and this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan takes it to the next level. Featuring tender, golden-brown chicken bites tossed with rigatoni in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce, this dish is a true indulgence. The Parmesan adds a savory depth, making every bite incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

A Rich and Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Dish

This dish is all about bold flavors and creamy textures. The rigatoni pasta holds the sauce beautifully, while the chicken is seasoned and pan-seared for a crispy, golden crust. The star of the dish is the garlic butter sauce, which coats everything in a silky, flavorful layer. Topped with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan, it’s a restaurant-worthy meal made right at home.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

To create this rich and creamy pasta dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together for the perfect balance of flavors.

• Rigatoni Pasta – This pasta’s ridges and tube shape help hold onto the creamy garlic butter sauce, making every bite flavorful.
• Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is cut into bite-sized pieces and pan-seared to perfection for a crispy, golden crust.
• Butter – The base of the rich sauce, butter adds a creamy texture and a deep, indulgent flavor.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the butter and Parmesan.
• Heavy Cream – This adds a luscious creaminess to the sauce, making it smooth and velvety.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth – A small amount of broth enhances the sauce and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken, adding extra flavor and a slight crispiness.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A pinch of spice for those who love a little heat in their pasta.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional) – A garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This pasta dish is easy to prepare and comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow this guide to create a creamy, flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Add the drained rigatoni and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni

Cooking times can vary slightly based on your stove and ingredients, but here are the general guidelines for making this dish perfectly:

• Cooking the Rigatoni – About 10-12 minutes, depending on the brand and instructions. Be sure to cook until al dente for the best texture.
• Searing the Chicken – Takes 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat, ensuring the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
• Making the Sauce – Around 5-7 minutes to melt the butter, sauté the garlic, and thicken the cream and Parmesan sauce.
• Combining Everything – Once mixed, let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

In total, this dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal quick and satisfying meal.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:

• Refrigerator – Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – While pasta with a creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months and add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the sauce separate.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

To make sure your dish turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated, so always use fresh for a creamier sauce.
• Cook the Pasta Al Dente – Since the pasta continues to absorb the sauce after mixing, avoid overcooking it.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken – To get a nice golden-brown sear, cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of browning.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to thin it out.
• Add Extra Flavor – Try incorporating crispy bacon, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for even more depth and texture.

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. Save this recipe to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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