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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to juicy perfection and tossed with rigatoni pasta in a luscious garlic butter and heavy cream Parmesan sauce. This indulgent meal blends creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors to create a warm, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Pasta

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta

Sauces & Dairy

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Produce & Herbs

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry Essentials

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Start by cooking rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Add Parmesan and Combine: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken back into the skillet, gently tossing everything together to fully coat the pasta and chicken in the luscious Parmesan sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before plating to add brightness and more cheesy flavor.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself for the best melting quality and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, cook until just done and let it rest before slicing.
  • Mind the Garlic: Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness and enhance its natural sweetness.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Its starch helps the sauce cling perfectly to each rigatoni and balances consistency.
  • Add Herbs Last Minute: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, so sprinkle it right before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, rigatoni, parmesan sauce, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://withnora.com/creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rigatoni-in-parmesan-sauce/