Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

This irresistible garlic butter chicken and rigatoni promises a magical dinner experience that melts hearts instantly.

Comfort meets elegance in every forkful of this luxurious pasta dish.

Rich parmesan sauce coats tender chicken pieces with incredible depth and warmth.

Fragrant garlic whispers through each bite, creating an aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Weeknight cooking becomes extraordinary with such a simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Each ingredient plays a delightful role in crafting this memorable meal.

Let you savor every creamy, delectable moment of culinary bliss.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Effortlessly Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: From start to finish, you can prepare this creamy chicken pasta in just 30 minutes, solving the classic dinnertime stress of finding a delicious meal that doesn't take hours to make.
• Comfort Food with a Sophisticated Twist: The combination of crispy chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that feels both indulgent and comforting, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: The recipe allows easy modifications like swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile go-to meal for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Everything That Goes Into Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Rigatoni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein with mild flavor, select boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic flavor enhancers for balanced taste.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and smoky undertones to chicken.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with browning chicken and creating sauce base.

• Flour: Thickening agent for creating smooth sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory liquid base with depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty cheese flavor and helps thicken sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh aromatic that adds robust flavor to sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds herbal notes and slight heat.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright garnish with fresh herb flavor.

• Mozzarella: Adds creamy, melty texture to final dish.

How To Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt to make the pasta sing with flavor. Toss in the rigatoni and let it dance in the bubbling water until it’s wonderfully tender. Scoop out a little pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its saucy adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Warm up a skillet with a swirl of olive oil and a pat of butter. Let the chicken sizzle and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Keep an eye on it, flipping occasionally until it’s cooked through and looking absolutely delectable. Once done, lift the chicken out and let it rest.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Parmesan Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, becoming a creamy masterpiece that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Reunite the pasta and chicken in the skillet, coating them in that irresistible sauce. If things look a bit tight, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen things up. Want extra creaminess? Sprinkle in some mozzarella and watch it melt into pure deliciousness. Finish with a shower of fresh herbs – parsley or basil work wonders.

Serve hot and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Top Tips For Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Pasta Perfection: Cook rigatoni just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture, ensuring the pasta holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Searing Secrets: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and creates a delightful caramelized exterior.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk flour continuously when making the roux to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth Parmesan cream sauce that coats every pasta piece.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add mozzarella off the heat to prevent breaking, allowing it to melt gently and create a luxurious, stretchy texture throughout the dish.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and add an extra layer of seasoning, helping the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta and chicken.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Properly

• Refrigerate leftover chicken and rigatoni in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Store the dish for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the best taste and texture.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce's smoothness and prevent drying out.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose their original creamy texture when thawed.
• Always consume refrigerated pasta dishes within the recommended time frame to ensure food safety and optimal flavor.
• Gently reheat only the portion you plan to eat to preserve the dish's delicate flavors and prevent overcooking the chicken and pasta.

Best Pairings With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Savor Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy, rich dish with a crisp Chardonnay or buttery Pinot Grigio that complements the garlic and parmesan flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate taste.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce, adding a zesty contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of the hearty pasta.
• Boost with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the extra parmesan sauce, providing a delightful textural crunch and amplifying the garlic notes throughout the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Veggie Partner: Add roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a touch of parmesan sprinkled on top, bringing a subtle earthy dimension that matches the chicken's robust seasonings.

Tasty Ways To Change Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rigatoni: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced bell peppers and jalapeños for a zesty Mexican-inspired version that brings bold southwestern flavors to the classic dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano, basil, and thyme, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Greek-style culinary experience.
• Mushroom Truffle Chicken Rigatoni: Enhance the sauce with sautéed wild mushrooms, drizzle truffle oil before serving, and sprinkle extra Parmesan for an elevated, luxurious pasta preparation that feels gourmet and sophisticated.
• Lighter Lemon Herb Chicken Rigatoni: Reduce cream quantity, add fresh lemon zest and juice, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and garnish with fresh dill for a brighter, healthier pasta version that still maintains rich flavor profiles.

FAQs For Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• What makes this chicken and rigatoni recipe special?

This dish combines tender chicken with a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce that’s packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, herbs, and creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because its tubes catch the sauce perfectly, you can substitute with penne, farfalle, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure you cook it al dente for the best texture.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

The recipe already includes red pepper flakes for a mild kick. If you want more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing the sauce. For extra spice, you could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This chicken and rigatoni dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken nestles perfectly with rigatoni in a luxurious parmesan sauce, creating a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. Cheesy, rich flavors and tender chicken promise a delightful meal that will satisfy you from the first forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Main Sauce Components:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or pasta water for extra flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta (or penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fats and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons butter

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Cooking Liquid:

• Salted water for boiling

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Instructions

1. Initiate the pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, carefully submerging rigatoni and cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite, maintaining some firmness.
2. Extract a small portion of starchy pasta liquid before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside for later integration.
3. Generously season chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoky paprika.
4. Warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet, creating a golden landscape for searing the seasoned chicken until rich caramel edges develop and the meat achieves complete doneness.
5. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary holding plate, keeping its warmth and succulence intact.
6. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a fragrant base for the upcoming sauce.
7. Quickly introduce minced garlic, allowing its intense aroma to permeate the butter for mere moments before incorporating flour to construct a smooth, velvety roux.
8. Gradually introduce chicken broth, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps and create a silky foundation for the sauce.
9. Stream in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan, complementing with delicate seasonings like Italian herbs and a whisper of red pepper flakes.
10. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening and developing complex flavors while stirring attentively.
11. Reunite the reserved pasta and chicken with the luxurious sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
12. If the sauce appears too dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
13. Optional: Incorporate shredded mozzarella, letting it melt into the sauce and create additional creamy complexity.
14. Finish the dish with a vibrant garnish of fresh herbs and an extra dusting of Parmesan, then serve immediately to capture peak flavor and texture.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the rigatoni and chicken.
• Seasoning Secrets: Layer flavors by generously seasoning chicken with a blend of spices before searing to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
• Sauce Flexibility: Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water or extra cream to achieve your desired thickness and creaminess.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, and use gluten-free flour and pasta for a celiac-safe version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg