Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce! It’s one of those cozy meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, the combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and creamy parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked rigatoni is just divine. It’s super simple to whip up, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something that tastes like a restaurant dish. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! The flavors blend together so beautifully, and I love how satisfying it is. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons garlic, minced (fresh is best for that punchy flavor!)
- 4 tablespoons butter (oh yes, the more, the merrier!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (the good stuff, please!)
- 12 ounces rigatoni (you can’t go wrong with this pasta shape!)
- Salt to taste (a little sprinkle goes a long way)
- Pepper to taste (don’t skip this for a flavor kick!)
- Parsley for garnish (fresh and vibrant, just what we need!)
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Cooking the Rigatoni
First things first, let’s get that rigatoni cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s done, reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water (it’s liquid gold for later!) and drain the rest. Set the rigatoni aside for now.
Sautéing the Chicken and Garlic
Now, let’s heat things up! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat—oh, that sizzle is music to my ears. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned (we don’t want it bitter!). Next, add the diced chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The smell will be heavenly!
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Now, we’re moving on to the magic part! Pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir, letting it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. Then, sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into that luscious, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Wow, it’s looking so good already!
Combining Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce, tossing everything gently until the pasta is nicely coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this is where you can adjust to your liking. If you want a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. And just like that, you’ve got a plate of pure comfort food ready to indulge in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni create a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
- One-pan dish means easy cleanup—less time scrubbing, more time enjoying!
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or protein swaps.
- A crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, from kids to adults!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the sautéing process; let the garlic get fragrant but not brown for the best flavor. If you want a little extra richness, feel free to increase the parmesan cheese—who doesn’t love more cheese, right? For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end really elevates the dish! And if you’re meal prepping, this dish reheats beautifully; just add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of delicious variations to try with this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce! For a seafood twist, simply swap the chicken for shrimp—just sauté them until they’re pink and cooked through. You can also go vegetarian by using tofu instead; just press and cube it before cooking for the best texture. For a lighter option, try adding some spinach or kale to the sauce for extra greens. And if you’re craving a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick! The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious meal like creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce, knowing the nutritional values can help you make informed choices! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional content per serving, but keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is hearty and satisfying while still being relatively balanced. Enjoy it as part of a wholesome meal, and don’t forget to pair it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad to round things out!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! If you want to make this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the parmesan cheese, try using a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary a bit, but it can still be delicious!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which can sometimes be a challenge because it’s so good!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy and delicious!
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables. I love serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a peppery contrast. You could also add some garlic bread on the side to soak up that rich sauce—trust me, it’s heavenly!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy truffle pasta or shrimp pasta with saffron!
Z nadrukami
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Bliss in 30 Mins
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
Creamy garlic butter chicken served with rigatoni in a rich parmesan sauce.
Składniki
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 ounces rigatoni
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
- Combine rigatoni with the chicken and sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variations.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 600
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 40g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 25g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy garlic butter chicken, rigatoni, parmesan sauce
