Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender seared chicken pieces with al dente rigatoni, enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh parsley, this comforting meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Cooking Fats & Oils

2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter

Flavorings & Liquids

4 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

Cheese & Seasonings

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture thicken for a couple of minutes.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained rigatoni, and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Simmer: Let the combined dish simmer for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier texture.
Ensure garlic is sautéed briefly to avoid bitterness.