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