Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Butter Chicken paired with al dente rigatoni pasta, tossed in a rich Parmesan-infused sauce with a hint of garlic and Italian herbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rigatoni and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture thicken gently for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the rigatoni. Toss everything well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Simmer together for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for smooth coating.
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic when sautéing to prevent bitterness.
- Can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Rigatoni, Parmesan, Italian Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Weeknight Dinner
