Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it! The creamy texture combined with the rich flavors of garlic butter and chicken makes it a standout in Italian cuisine. I often whip this up when I want something comforting yet sophisticated, and it never fails to impress. The best part? It’s super easy to make! You’ll have your family or friends swooning over the first bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a hit. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delicious masterpiece!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
First things first, let’s cook that rigatoni! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes, but be sure to check your package for specifics. Once it’s perfectly cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling and looks divine, add in the minced garlic. Ah, the aroma is simply magical! Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic is not our friend, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next up, let’s add that diced chicken to the skillet. Stir it around and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. You want to make sure all those pieces are evenly cooked, so keep stirring! It’s all about that even goodness.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, and watch it melt into that creamy goodness. Keep stirring until everything is combined and smooth—this is the moment you’ll want to dive right in, but hold on!
Step 5: Combine with Rigatoni
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and toss everything until the pasta is fully coated in that luscious sauce. Make sure each piece of rigatoni gets its fair share of that creamy, cheesy goodness. You’ll want to see that beautiful shine!
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. And don’t forget the fresh parsley! Chop it up and sprinkle it on top for a pop of color and flavor. Wow, your garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce is ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just about 35 minutes!
- Creamy texture that’s rich and satisfying, perfect for comfort food lovers.
- Flavorful ingredients like garlic and parmesan that elevate your dish to restaurant quality.
- Versatile—swap out chicken for shrimp or your favorite veggies for a different twist.
- Simple steps make it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup—less time washing dishes, more time enjoying!
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at special occasions.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail it:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste! Opt for fresh garlic, real butter, and good quality parmesan cheese. It makes a world of difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your rigatoni! It should be al dente, which means it’ll have a slight bite to it. This helps it hold up better in the sauce.
- Let the Garlic Sauté, But Don’t Rush: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—if it turns brown, you’ll get a bitter taste that can ruin your sauce. Trust me, patience is key!
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like your sauce a bit thicker, add a splash more heavy cream or even a touch of pasta water to help it cling to the rigatoni. Experiment until you find your perfect texture!
- Season in Layers: When you add salt and pepper, do it in stages. Taste as you go! This ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of color but also brightens the dish. It’s all about those finishing touches!
- Let It Rest a Bit: If you can, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that your family and friends will rave about. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce. This will help you keep track of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So if you’re looking to tweak things a bit—say, using less butter or a lighter cream—you can adjust the nutrition accordingly. Just remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying every creamy, garlicky bite!
FAQ Section
Got some questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear about my garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce, along with my trusty answers!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is a personal favorite for its ability to hold onto that creamy sauce, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work just as well. It’s all about what you have on hand!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem at all! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit lighter. If you want to keep that creaminess, try adding a little extra butter or a splash of cream cheese for richness!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare everything up to the point of combining the rigatoni with the sauce, then store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash more cream if needed, to bring it back to life!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This is a fantastic option for meal prep. Just portion it out into airtight containers after cooking, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go for the week. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly!
Can I make this vegetarian?
For sure! Just skip the chicken and load up on your favorite veggies instead. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. You might even want to toss in some spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrition!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool down a bit before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce!
Can I freeze this dish?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the cream sauce can separate when thawed. But if you absolutely have to, be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within a month. Just know the texture might not be quite the same!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in whipping up this delightful dish! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk storage, because you’ll definitely want to save those delicious leftovers of your garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce! To keep everything fresh and tasty, make sure to store any uneaten portions in an airtight container. This helps lock in all that creamy goodness and prevents any odors from sneaking in from your fridge.
You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let the dish cool down a bit before sealing it up—this prevents condensation inside the container, which can make things a little soggy. When you’re ready to dive back in, reheating is key! I recommend doing this on the stovetop for the best results.
Simply add the leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened up too much (which can happen), don’t worry—just add a splash of cream or a little pasta water to loosen things back up. Stir gently until it’s warmed through and creamy again. You want that delicious texture to come back to life!
If you prefer using the microwave, place your portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the sauce!
So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your creamy, garlicky pasta dish even after it’s made. Happy eating!
Z nadrukami
Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A creamy and flavorful garlic butter chicken rigatoni dish with parmesan sauce.
Składniki
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Mix in cooked rigatoni and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different option.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 600
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 35g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 20g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: garlic butter chicken rigatoni, creamy parmesan sauce, chicken pasta
