Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and hearty rigatoni creates a dish that delights the senses. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy garlic butter sauce combined with Parmesan cheese creates an indulgent flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: This dish uses common pantry items, making it easy to whip up any night of the week.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: This creamy pasta dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring a happy dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
To make this scrumptious creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce all in one pan, which saves on cleaning up!
- Pot for boiling pasta: A good-sized pot allows for even cooking of rigatoni without overcrowding, ensuring perfect texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth while stirring to combine everything. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes so it reduces slightly.
Step 4: Create Your Creamy Base
Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken back into your skillet along with your drained rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together until each piece is coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Plate It Up
- Use warm plates to serve the dish, which helps keep the creamy sauce at the perfect temperature longer.
Garnish Generously
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Pair with Bread
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Add a Salad
- A light green salad on the side can balance out the richness of the dish. Use a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
Wine Pairing
- Consider pairing with a light white wine, like Chardonnay, which complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Leftover Storage
- For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
To make this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavors significantly.
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Ensure that your chicken is just cooked through to retain tenderness and juiciness.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! You might want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
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Pasta al dente: Cook rigatoni until al dente for a perfect texture that holds up well in the sauce.
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Simmer slowly: Letting the sauce simmer allows flavors to meld together beautifully without burning.
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Cream choice matters: Heavy cream yields the best results, providing richness and thickness to your sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Pairing side dishes with creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds a delightful crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide contrast to the dish’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies bring color and nutrients, complementing the pasta’s flavors nicely.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective; it adds a pop of green while being healthy and light.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes on toasted bread offer a refreshing flavor that pairs well with creamy dishes.
- Mashed Potatoes: For those who love comfort food, buttery mashed potatoes are always a welcome addition.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings brightness and crunch, balancing out the creamy elements of your main dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds elegance and a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Ensure you cook until golden and no longer pink inside.
- Not using enough seasoning: Skipping seasonings can lead to a bland dish. Always taste your sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Skipping the pasta cooking step: Adding uncooked pasta directly to the sauce will result in unevenly cooked pasta. Always cook rigatoni according to package instructions first.
- Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese can affect the flavor and creaminess of your sauce. Always opt for fresh, grated Parmesan cheese for best results.
- Rushing the cooking process: Cooking on high heat can cause sauces to separate or burn. Take your time and use medium heat for a smoother sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring often until warmed throughout.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed, stir until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, hearty rigatoni pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, use different pasta shapes, or even substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute traditional rigatoni with gluten-free pasta and ensure that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying yet easy to prepare.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for both cozy family dinners and special occasions. This delightful dish features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired beautifully with hearty rigatoni pasta and rich Parmesan cheese. The creamy texture and indulgent flavors make every bite a satisfying experience. In just under 35 minutes, you can bring this restaurant-quality meal to your table with minimal effort. Ideal for meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; stir until smooth and creamy. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the rigatoni; toss to combine.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
