Description
Indulgent garlic butter chicken rigatoni delight brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, velvety sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. Home cooks discover pure satisfaction in this simple yet luxurious pasta experience that promises warmth and flavor in every hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Liquid Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare rigatoni according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve to the side.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until it becomes golden and slightly bubbling.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then carefully place into the hot butter. Cook until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful skillet residue.
- Introduce minced garlic into the same skillet, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly one minute without burning.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, gently scraping accumulated flavor bits from the skillet bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate for 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.
- Reintroduce chicken to the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece becomes generously coated.
- Fold rigatoni into the skillet, gently tossing to distribute sauce evenly across pasta and protein.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
- Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Pasta Selection Matters: Choose high-quality rigatoni with ridges to help the creamy sauce cling perfectly to each pasta curve.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure chicken is evenly golden and reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
- Garlic Flavor Boost: Freshly minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to pre-chopped versions.
- Sauce Consistency Trick: Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth texture.
- Parmesan Cheese Hack: Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Quick Serving Strategy: Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg