Welcome to your new favorite comfort food! Picture this: tender chicken drenched in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, surrounded by perfectly cooked rigatoni nestled in a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s not only delicious but also wonderfully simple to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, an impressive dish for guests, or a treat for your family, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni is sure to become a go-to recipe. Fun fact: Did you know that rigatoni gets its name from the Italian word “rigare,” which means “to straddle”? It’s the perfect pasta for capturing all that creamy goodness!
Why is this dish so special? Well, for starters, it’s packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic and Parmesan that come together beautifully. Plus, you can prepare it in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something hearty and satisfying. If you love the classic Chicken Alfredo, you’ll definitely want to give this dish a try. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this creamy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni?
So, what’s in a name? Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni sounds like a mouthful, doesn’t it? But let’s break it down. Imagine all the delicious elements: creamy garlic butter, juicy chicken, and sturdy rigatoni. It rolls off the tongue (and the plate) effortlessly! Why the name? Well, when you pile chicken and rigatoni together in a heavenly cream sauce, it’s hard to capture exactly how delightful it is without a title that sings its praises. After all, as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This dish is your secret weapon! So why not roll up your sleeves and give this delightful meal a try? Your taste buds won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni
You’ll be absolutely smitten with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni for three key reasons. First, it treats your taste buds to an explosion of flavor! The garlic butter sauce makes for an irresistible combination that coats the chicken and pasta beautifully. Second, making this dish at home is cost-efficient! With just a few ingredients, you’ll easily cut costs compared to dining out while enjoying a gourmet-quality meal right at your table. And lastly, let’s not forget the cheesy deliciousness of the Parmesan that elevates this dish to another level. If you’re a fan of classic creamy pasta dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara, you’ll want to keep exploring different pasta recipes that line this blog. It’s time for you to get in the kitchen and whip up this delightful meal!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni
Quick Overview
Cooking up Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni is a breeze! You’ll have a mouthwatering, satisfying dish ready in about 25-30 minutes. The key elements include a succulent garlic butter sauce that envelops the chicken and a rich Parmesan sauce that adds a creamy texture to the rigatoni. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for even the busiest of weeknights.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and then the rigatoni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back into the skillet along with the cooked rigatoni. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately!
What to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni With
This creamy dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad to balance the richness. A light arugula or spinach salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette can add a fresh touch. Garlic bread is also a fantastic choice for soaking up that luscious sauce. For drinks, consider serving a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni
For the best results, here are some top tips to guide you:
- Don’t rush the chicken cooking process. A well-seared chicken breast adds flavor and texture to your dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. The flavor is unmatched compared to pre-packaged cheese and melts beautifully.
- Adjust the sauce thickness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with flavors! Throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which may be unlikely!), make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. You can also freeze the dish for up to a month, but it’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Now that you’ve got the scoop on this incredible Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started! It’s an easy, delectable dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone around the table. Happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Seasoned with salt and pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta Cook according to package instructions
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Divided use for chicken and sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream Makes the sauce rich and creamy
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Best when freshly grated
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken and sauce
- to taste Fresh parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired, then serve immediately.
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