Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest obsession: creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni! This dish is a total game changer for weeknight dinners. It’s not just easy to whip up, but it’s packed with flavor that’ll have you dreaming about it long after the plates are cleared. I mean, who can resist tender chicken swimming in a pool of rich, buttery garlic goodness, all tangled up with perfectly cooked rigatoni? Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest and it’s ready in just about 30 minutes! With simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this comes together. Let’s dive into this delicious journey of flavors, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta – the star of our dish, perfectly shaped to hold onto that creamy sauce!
- 2 chicken breasts, diced – tender pieces that soak up all that garlic butter flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – because we all know garlic is the secret to deliciousness!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – this is where the magic happens, adding richness and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – the key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that cheesy, savory kick that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season; it makes all the difference!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – a sprinkle of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first, let’s cook that rigatoni! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the 12 oz of rigatoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! We want that starch to help the sauce stick.
- Now, grab a large skillet and melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it get all bubbly and fragrant—this is where the magic really begins!
- Next, toss in your diced chicken breasts—2 of them, please! Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want those tasty bits to form at the bottom of the skillet; they add so much flavor!
- Once the chicken is beautifully browned, it’s garlic time! Add in the minced garlic (that’s 4 cloves) and sauté for just 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; you want that sweet garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is when things start getting creamy and dreamy!
- Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it’s melted and combined. This is the moment you’ll want to taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning—add salt and pepper to your liking!
- Finally, add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss everything together until those pasta noodles are coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. Oh, it’s going to look so good!
- Before serving, garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. And there you have it—your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can have this mouthwatering dish on the table in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of creamy garlic butter and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This rigatoni is like a warm hug on a plate, making it ideal for cozy dinners or when you’re craving something comforting.
- Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples, you likely won’t need a special trip to the grocery store.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy goodness, making it a hit for the whole family.
Tips for Success
- Garlic Love: If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two! Just remember to sauté it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to sneak in some veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes can be great additions. Just sauté them with the chicken for a few extra minutes.
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is classic, try mixing in some Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile. It’ll be cheesy and delicious!
- Stirring Technique: When tossing the rigatoni in the sauce, use tongs for the best results. This way, you can ensure every piece is coated in that creamy goodness.
- Make it Your Own: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Leftover Magic: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s chat about the nutrition of this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider them as estimates. That said, here’s the general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Fat: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
So, while this dish is definitely indulgent, it’s also packed with protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite, knowing that you’re treating yourself well! Just remember, moderation is key, especially with those buttery, rich flavors!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is my favorite for this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, you can definitely swap it out for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they can vary a bit.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and sour cream. Just keep in mind that the texture might not be as rich, but it’ll still be tasty!
How do I store leftovers?
Let your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it seems too thick.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go! The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You can toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers. Just add them in when you’re cooking the chicken to get them nice and tender.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Oh, for sure! Kids love creamy pasta, and the flavors are mild yet delicious. You can even let them help stir in the pasta or sprinkle the parsley on top for a fun cooking experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, and maybe you’ve got a little leftover (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store those delicious leftovers properly so they stay just as fabulous as when they were first made.
First, let the dish cool completely before storing. This helps prevent any condensation from forming in the container, which can make the pasta soggy. Once cooled, transfer your rigatoni to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—if you can resist the temptation to eat it all right away!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just take them out and reheat gently. I recommend using a skillet over low heat; this way, you can add a splash of cream or a bit of water to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, and you’ll be back in creamy, garlicky bliss in no time!
If you think you won’t finish the leftovers within a few days, you can also freeze the rigatoni! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It should last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Trust me, having this comforting dish on hand is such a treat for busy days!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it to create the perfect meal. I’ve got you covered with some delicious ideas that will elevate your dinner experience!
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that extra creamy sauce left on your plate.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the rigatoni.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven. They make a colorful and nutritious side!
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, adding a nice contrast in texture.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a simple and healthy option, steamed broccoli not only looks great on the plate but also adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
These sides not only complement the flavors of your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni but also make your meal feel complete. Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions and find your perfect pairing!
Z nadrukami
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni: 30-Minute Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and delicious recipe for creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni.
Składniki
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Adjust garlic based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 650
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 40g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 20g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni easy homemade recipe
