Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni & Parmesan

There’s something magical about the aroma of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan wafting through your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, buttery sauce, mingling with robust garlic and finished with a shower of parmesan that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth, like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The moment they walked in, their eyes lit up with anticipation as they caught a whiff of the savory goodness. It was as if I had summoned culinary magic right from my kitchen! Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe promises to impress and delight everyone at your table.

I still chuckle when I think about how my kids fought over the last bit of sauce—now that’s a winning recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for even cooking; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; fresh garlic adds a punch that dried can’t compete with.

• Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully; opt for whole-grain if you prefer!

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan right before serving; it melts better and tastes divine.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish and gives it a beautiful finish.

• Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delightful flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely and have your chicken breasts ready for seasoning. You want everything handy to keep things flowing smoothly.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside while you work on that luscious garlic butter sauce.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest. In the same skillet, add more butter along with minced garlic. Stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds—as those savory aromas fill your kitchen.

Combine Everything Together: Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any tasty bits left in the pan. Add cooked rigatoni into the sauce along with sliced chicken. Toss everything together until well-coated.

Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese while stirring gently. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley before serving—it adds color and freshness!

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is sure to become your new favorite dish! Enjoy every creamy bite surrounded by laughter and love at your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes at the same time, so you can enjoy your dish hot and fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Experimenting makes each meal unique!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy.

Cooking this dish brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and chatter, particularly when my cousin declared it “the best pasta ever.” Those moments remind me why I love cooking.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well, so feel free to get creative.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

No worries! Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything in advance and reheat when ready to serve for easy entertaining.

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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• Author: Barbara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a comforting dish that transforms a simple dinner into a delightful culinary experience. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, enveloping al dente rigatoni and topped with freshly grated parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish promises to impress your family and friends with its robust flavors and creamy texture.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each breast for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
3. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Add cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken, tossing to combine.
6. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted; garnish with parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 115mg