Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to new heights. It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a luscious garlic butter sauce topped with Parmesan cheese offers a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare – With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor – The garlic butter sauce combined with Parmesan creates a decadent taste experience.
- Versatile Dish – This meal works well for family dinners, date nights, or even entertaining guests.
- Easy Clean-Up – You’ll only need one skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce, making clean-up a breeze.
- Adjustable Spice Level – Customize the heat by adding or omitting red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – Essential for boiling pasta evenly and ensuring it cooks properly.
- Skillet – Perfect for searing chicken and making the flavorful garlic butter sauce in one pan.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the rigatoni and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is easy and delightful. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its rich flavors and creamy texture. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Option for a Family Style Dinner
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish. Consider including mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for freshness.
Add Crusty Bread
- Offer slices of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle Extra Parmesan
- Serve with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Guests can add as much cheese as they like for extra flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Top each serving with chopped fresh parsley or basil. This adds color and a burst of freshness to each plate.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Perfecting this dish takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan turns out amazing every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook rigatoni until al dente; it will absorb flavors better and not become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
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Adjust Seasoning – Taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. You can always add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning based on personal preference.
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Reserve Pasta Water – Save some pasta water before draining; adding it helps adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
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Let It Simmer – Allow the combined dish to simmer briefly after mixing everything together. This helps all flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
To complement your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, consider these delicious side dishes that balance out its richness perfectly.
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Garlic Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil and garlic adds a healthy crunch alongside your pasta.
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Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
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Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients without overpowering the main flavors.
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Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an eye-catching appetizer.
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Baked Zucchini Fries – Crispy zucchini fries seasoned with herbs offer a fun twist that pairs well with Italian flavors.
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Mediterranean Couscous – Fluffy couscous mixed with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese provides a flavorful grain option that complements your meal.
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Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates an enticing start to your dinner.
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Herbed Quinoa Salad – Light quinoa mixed with fresh herbs and lemon juice offers a nutritious side that balances out rich dishes like this pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Skipping the pasta water – Not reserving pasta water can result in a sauce that’s too thick. Always save some before draining the rigatoni!
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden-brown color and remove it from heat once cooked through.
- Using pre-grated cheese – Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Grate fresh cheese for a creamier texture.
- Not seasoning enough – Underseasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste your sauce and add salt or pepper as needed.
- Ignoring garlic timing – Sautéing garlic too long can cause bitterness. Cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop – Reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, while rigatoni works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if you need a lighter option.
How do I customize this recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or experiment with different herbs to suit your taste.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan healthy?
It is rich and creamy, so enjoy it as an indulgent meal but balance it with lighter dishes throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine with cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not just delicious; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish will satisfy every craving. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a mouthwatering recipe that elevates comfort food to new heights. This dish features tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich garlic butter sauce all topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this creamy pasta dish is quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With its delectable flavor and satisfying texture, everyone at the table will love this meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened (3-4 minutes). Add Parmesan cheese until smooth; adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine the chicken and rigatoni in the skillet; toss until fully coated. Simmer briefly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
