Print

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
Print Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce combined with perfectly al dente rigatoni pasta. This quick and indulgent recipe blends simple pantry staples to create a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper

Butter Garlic Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through (internal temperature 165ºF). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add Cheese and Combine: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until fully melted. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.
  5. Toss in Rigatoni and Finish: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

  • Fresh garlic matters: Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor over pre-minced varieties.
  • Don’t overcook chicken: Remove from heat once internal temperature reaches 165ºF for juicy, tender meat.
  • Reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency and helps everything stick together.
  • Use good quality cheese: Fresh Parmesan will melt smoother and add a superior cheesy tang.
  • Warm the cream: Add cream slowly and gently over low heat to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, rigatoni pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal

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