The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Garlic butter rigatoni whispers comfort through its luxurious, velvety essence, promising a culinary journey that tantalizes sophisticated palates.

Rich, indulgent flavors dance across each perfectly coated pasta strand, creating an irresistible symphony of taste.

creamy textures blend seamlessly with bold, aromatic seasonings that elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Hearty protein and silky sauce merge into a delectable harmony that satisfies deep hunger and gourmet cravings.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques craft ordinary ingredients into an elegant meal bursting with remarkable depth and complexity.

Subtle nuances of herbs and carefully balanced seasonings infuse every delightful bite with warmth and sophistication.

You can be transported to a cozy kitchen where passion and skill converge into something truly magical.

Savor this extraordinary dish that promises to delight and inspire your inner culinary artist.

Directions for Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil Rigatoni Pasta

Cook the rigatoni following the directions on the package.

Drain the pasta and place it in a bowl to set aside.

Step 2: Sear Seasoned Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter in the pan.

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown on the outside.

Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

Add the remaining butter to the same skillet.

Sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it smells fragrant.

Step 4: Develop Sauce Foundation

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine with the garlic.

Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the liquid slightly reduces.

Step 5: Transform Sauce to Creamy Texture

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and add grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Protein

Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Add the rigatoni and gently toss everything until well coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Spoon the pasta onto plates and enjoy it hot right away.

Pro Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• Master Pasta Texture: Ensure rigatoni is cooked al dente by tasting a piece 1-2 minutes before package instructions, preventing mushy pasta.
• Nail Chicken Browning: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Create Silky Sauce: Slowly whisk Parmesan cheese into warm cream to prevent clumping and guarantee a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in butter for 30 seconds before adding chicken to intensify herb aromatics and enhance overall taste.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Keep sauce at a gentle simmer and stir continuously when adding cream and cheese to maintain a creamy, unified texture.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the dish is steaming hot and pasta reaches 165°F.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the rich garlic butter flavors and complementing the chicken's delicate taste.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to contrast the heavy pasta dish and add refreshing brightness.
• Select Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce, enhance the garlic notes, and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender pasta and chicken.
• Enjoy with Sparkling Water with Lemon: A bubbly, citrusy drink cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan sauce and refreshing your taste buds.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with red pepper flakes and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Creamy Chicken Rigatoni: Mix fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary into the sauce for an aromatic herb-rich version that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Mushroom Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic, adding an earthy depth and extra umami to the creamy sauce.
• Light Alfredo-Style Chicken Pasta: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less Parmesan to create a lighter, less dense sauce while maintaining rich flavor.

FAQs for Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

You can substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta type.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu. Keep the creamy sauce and seasonings the same for a delicious vegetarian option.

• How long will this dish keep in the refrigerator?

Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce consistency.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified. The recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Highlights of Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• This dish wraps you in a warm, velvety sauce that hugs every rigatoni noodle and tender chicken piece with rich, luxurious flavors.
• Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious homemade dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimize cleanup while maximizing taste by creating a complete meal in a single skillet, blending garlic, butter, chicken broth, and Parmesan into a mouthwatering sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
• The combination of classic Italian seasonings, creamy textures, and protein-rich chicken makes this recipe appealing to both adults and kids, suitable for casual family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

• Rigatoni Pasta: Classic tubular pasta perfect for holding creamy sauce, holds sauce well inside its ridges.
• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce base, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious and silky sauce texture, ensures thick and creamy consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce, freshly grated works best.

• Garlic: Adds intense flavor and aromatic base, fresh minced garlic provides most robust taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall dish flavor, adjust to personal taste preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides classic Mediterranean flavor profile, adds depth to chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create sauce base and adds additional savory depth, low-sodium option recommended.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish that adds fresh flavor and visual appeal, optional but recommended.

Creamy Garlic Butter Rigatoni With Chicken In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic butter rigatoni with chicken dances with Italian-inspired flavors, blending rich parmesan sauce and tender pasta. Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises to delight your senses and satisfy hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Primary Seasonings:

• 12 oz (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coating.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, cooking chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping warm.
5. In the same skillet, melt additional butter and introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
6. Stream chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to incorporate pan drippings and creating a light reduction, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7. Gradually incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a velvety, smooth consistency.
8. Allow sauce to gently simmer, enabling flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
9. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the creamy sauce, followed by drained rigatoni, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finishing touch.
11. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta retains optimal texture.

Notes

• Prep this dish quickly by having all ingredients measured and chopped before starting cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the richest, most authentic flavor in the sauce.
• Ensure chicken is cooked completely by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety.
• Make sauce extra smooth by whisking Parmesan gradually and stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce consistency.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 738
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 695 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 157 mg