The aroma of garlic and butter wafts through your kitchen, inviting you to discover the magic of creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce. Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled among swirls of rich, creamy pasta, all enveloped in a dreamy sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests who might think you’re a culinary wizard. For more inspiration, check out this crispy chicken alfredo recipe.
As you prepare to take your first bite, memories flood back—perhaps a family gathering or a delightful dinner with friends. The laughter mingles with the savory scents, and you realize this dish is more than just food; it’s an experience. Perfect for date night or when you need to cheer yourself up after a long day, this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce promises to deliver comfort and joy with every forkful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its rich flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds, while its beautiful presentation creates a showstopper at any gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variations!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for this recipe; feel free to adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; after all, garlic is the star of this dish.
Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly; about 12 ounces should do.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it helps control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—perfect for coating that pasta!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth of flavor; don’t skimp on this!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings out that classic Italian taste we all love.
For the Sauce:
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely and season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You’ll want everything ready to go so you can work your culinary magic without interruptions!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes around eight minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about one cup of that pasta water for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about six minutes per side should do it! Remove them from the pan and let them rest while you work on that heavenly sauce.
Step 4: Create Your Sauce
In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add another tablespoon of butter along with your minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about one minute—and then pour in that heavy cream along with chicken broth. Stir well as you bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle in your grated Parmesan cheese along with Italian seasoning while stirring continuously until everything melds into a creamy delight! If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach that mouth-watering consistency.
Step 6: Combine It All
Slice your rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the rigatoni too! Coat everything evenly so each noodle gets its fair share of that incredible cheesy goodness.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite as you let those flavors dance around your mouth like they’re at an Italian disco party!
Whether you’re sharing this delightful dish with friends or savoring it solo while binge-watching your favorite series, creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce will surely become a go-to recipe that warms both belly and soul! buttery cloverleaf rolls.
You Must Know
- This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience.
- With rich flavors and a velvety texture, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown for that lovely flavor. While the chicken simmers, cook the rigatoni al dente, then whip up the creamy Parmesan sauce. This sequence ensures everything comes together perfectly without overcooking anything.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients. Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to create your unique twist on this creamy classic.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive that creamy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; it makes a huge difference!
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; you want it al dente for that perfect bite.
- Lastly, let the sauce simmer gently; too high heat will separate the cream.
I once served this dish at a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Now that’s how you know you’ve hit culinary gold!
FAQs :
What is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces with rigatoni pasta. The dish is enhanced with a rich garlic butter sauce, which is creamy and flavorful. baked penne pasta dish Topped with Parmesan cheese, it creates a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe balances the savory taste of garlic with the richness of butter and cream, making it an instant favorite among family and friends.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?
Preparation for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce typically takes around 15 minutes, while cooking may take an additional 20 minutes. In total, you can expect to have this scrumptious meal ready in about 35 minutes. quick chicken parmesan recipe It’s a quick and easy recipe that is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce ahead of time. To do this, cook the chicken and pasta according to the recipe but stop before adding the cream sauce. Store both components separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat both on the stove or microwave until warm, then combine them with the sauce for a fresh-tasting meal. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter steak recipe recipe.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce pairs well with various sides. You might consider serving it with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. Crusty bread also complements this dish nicely, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce. For a complete meal experience, finish off with a light dessert like sorbet or fruit salad.
Conclusion for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce :
In summary, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish that combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any dinner occasion. The recipe is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy nights or entertaining guests. Enjoy this flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a delightful, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with al dente rigatoni, all enveloped in a luxurious garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is quick to prepare and will impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the garlic and seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown (6 minutes per side). Remove from pan and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer gently.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until well combined. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Slice rested chicken and return it to the skillet along with cooked rigatoni. Toss well to coat everything with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, drizzling extra sauce on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: - For added nutrients, consider mixing in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. - Swap chicken for shrimp or add different cheeses for varied flavors.