Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish perfect for any occasion. Tender, golden-brown chicken is tossed with rigatoni in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then finished with Parmesan cheese for a savory depth of flavor. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this dish makes a great weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Create the Creamy Sauce – Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water.
- Combine Everything – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the rigatoni and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish – Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes