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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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