Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta into one comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish impresses with its rich flavors and simple preparation. The combination of garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan elevates the dish, making it a favorite among both family and guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare – This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor – The garlic butter sauce combined with Parmesan cheese creates a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish – Enjoy it as a hearty dinner or serve it at gatherings; it’s suitable for various occasions.
- Comforting Meal – Creamy pasta paired with tender chicken offers a comforting experience that warms the soul.
- Easily Scalable – Ideal for families or small gatherings; adjust the quantities to fit your needs.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – Essential for boiling pasta efficiently while allowing ample space for it to cook evenly.
- Skillet – A good-quality skillet provides even heat distribution, crucial for searing chicken perfectly.
- Colander – Useful for draining pasta quickly without losing any precious noodles.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add rigatoni and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm to enjoy this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing complement the richness of the pasta.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light contrast to the garlic butter sauce.
- Arugula Salad – Peppery arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread – Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter enhances the garlic flavor of the dish.
- Focaccia – This soft, herb-infused bread is perfect for soaking up creamy sauces.
- Dinner Rolls – Fluffy rolls are great for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Serve with Wine
- Chardonnay – A buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Pinot Grigio – This light white wine offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the meal.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
To ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality Parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cooking rigatoni al dente prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Always taste your dish before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water – Keeping some pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency if it thickens too much.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a couple of minutes helps meld all flavors together.
- Experiment with Add-Ins – Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Complement this rich pasta dish with some tasty side options that enhance your dining experience. Here are some great ideas:
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
- Roasted Asparagus – Tossed in olive oil, roasted asparagus provides a savory crunch that pairs well.
- Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots offer a nice contrast to the savory chicken and creamy sauce.
- Mixed Vegetables Stir-Fry – Quick stir-fried veggies can add freshness and texture alongside your meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent comforting side.
- Zucchini Noodles – For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles alongside for added texture without heavy carbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the final dish.
- Not salting the pasta water – Salting your pasta water enhances flavor. Always add enough salt to make it taste like the sea.
- Overcooking the chicken – Chicken should be cooked until golden brown but not dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked just right.
- Skipping the reserved pasta water – This starchy water can help loosen the sauce. Always reserve some before draining your pasta to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Using pre-grated cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers more flavor than pre-grated options. Take the extra time to grate it fresh for the best results.
- Not letting the sauce simmer long enough – Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it and enhances flavors. Don’t rush this step for a rich, creamy result.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some common inquiries about Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
How do I make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan lighter?
To lighten this dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter used.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken appeal to children’s tastes, making it a great family dinner option.
How can I customize my Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition or swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for variety.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or different proteins, catering to your family’s preferences. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, a delightful combination that brings together tender chicken, a creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. This dish is not only quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, but it also makes for an impressive meal whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a special occasion. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan elevates this comforting dish, making it a family favorite sure to impress guests. With its savory depth and creamy textures, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken pieces until golden brown (5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds). Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer until thickened (3–4 minutes). Mix in Parmesan cheese; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken to skillet along with rigatoni; toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer for an additional minute.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and optional red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 375g)
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 132mg
