If you’re looking to impress your family with a meal that balances creamy comfort and savory delight, look no further than Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce. This dish boasts a sensuous, buttery sauce that envelopes every piece of rigatoni, marrying tender chicken with the rich flavors of parmesan and garlic. It’s the kind of dish that makes you weak in the knees! Imagine indulging in a plateful as you cozy up with your loved ones on a winter evening. Did you know that pasta has been a staple for centuries, yet it continues to hold a special place in our hearts? In fact, this creamy pasta delight is reminiscent of my popular Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe but takes the concept up a notch with juicy chicken and a buttery finish. Ready to make magic in the kitchen?
What is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce?
Have you ever found yourself scratching your head at a dish name that sounds like it’s trying to compete in a ‘most delicious mouthful’ contest? Well, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce is exactly that! It combines the comforting texture of rigatoni with a creamy, dreamy sauce that makes you rethink your definition of comfort food. And let’s not forget the age-old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re cooking for the family or a gathering of friends, this irresistible pasta dish is bound to win hearts and full bellies! So grab your apron and let’s embrace the creamy goodness together!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
There are a handful of reasons why you’ll find Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce to be a noteworthy main dish. First, the texture is a perfect balance of creamy and hearty, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. Did I mention that cooking at home is often more cost-effective than dining out? By whipping up this delectable dish, you’re treating both your taste buds and your wallet kindly. And let’s talk about toppings! A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of chili flakes can add a delightful touch, elevating the dish to new heights. Just like a cozy chicken alfredo, but with an inviting creamy twist! Ready to dive into the kitchen? Let’s bring this delicious idea to life!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
Quick Overview
This dish is as easy as it is satisfying. The creamy garlic butter is a flavor explosion that envelops the rigatoni and chicken, giving you a taste sensation with every bite. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or laid-back family gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
- Rigatoni Pasta – 12 oz, uncooked
- Chicken Breast – 1 lb, boneless, skinless, diced
- Butter – 4 tbsp, unsalted
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, grated (plus extra for serving)
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
- Italian Seasoning – 1 tsp
- Fresh Parsley – for garnish, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water. - Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). - Add Cream and Cheese
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the grated parmesan, whisking to combine until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. - Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlicky goodness. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
- Substitutions: You can opt for halal chicken thighs for a more tender bite or swap out heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, for a vegan version.
- Timing: Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped before cooking. This will help ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Avoiding Mistakes: Don’t overcook the garlic; it can turn bitter. Keep an eye on it while sautéing and remove it from heat when it’s just fragrant.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Feel free to freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, opt for the stovetop over the microwave to maintain its original creamy texture. Just a splash of water or cream can help bring it back to life when reheating.
Now that you’re armed with a delightful recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Your family will thank you, and you’ll enjoy every moment spent creating this culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta, uncooked
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless, diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking the Rigatoni
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Adding Cream and Cheese
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the grated parmesan, whisking to combine until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Combining and Serving
- Return the cooked chicken and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlicky goodness. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
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