Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. With tender chicken pieces enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, this creamy pasta meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike. The hearty rigatoni holds onto the luscious sauce, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Simple yet elegant, this recipe allows for customization—add your favorite vegetables or switch proteins based on what you have on hand. Serve it up with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for an inviting finish. Discover the joy of cooking with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 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)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth; let simmer for about 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Return chicken to the skillet and mix well.
- Add drained rigatoni and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg