Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe guarantees comfort and satisfaction in every bite. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic butter, chicken, and Parmesan creates a savory depth that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe suits various occasions effortlessly.
- Comfort Food: Rich and creamy, this pasta dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience everyone loves.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, cleanup is as easy as the cooking process.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Pasta strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the rigatoni to perfection without overcrowding.
- Skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and creating a flavorful sauce all in one pan.
- Pasta strainer: Helps drain the rigatoni quickly while preserving some pasta water for the sauce.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese; mix until smooth. If too thick, stir in reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return cooked chicken to skillet; toss it in the sauce.
- Add rigatoni; mix until fully coated.
- Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat; garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
With these steps completed, your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is ready to delight your family or guests!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Pairing with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Adding torn basil leaves can enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
Accompanying with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Serving with Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens can balance the richness of the dish.
Adding Extra Toppings
- Extra Parmesan: Offer freshly grated Parmesan at the table for those who love cheesy flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provide red pepper flakes for guests who enjoy a spicy kick in their meal.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
To make your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Cooking Technique: Ensure chicken is cooked until golden brown for maximum flavor.
- Use of Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and herbs for the best taste.
- Cheese Choice: Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese; it makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjustments to Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Simmer Time: Allow time for the sauce to simmer; this enhances its depth of flavor.
- Presentation Tips: Plate your dish thoughtfully, using large bowls to showcase the pasta beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Complementing your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is easy when you choose the right sides. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully with rich sauces.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender roasted asparagus provides a satisfying crunch alongside your meal.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a refreshing contrast.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a unique taste to your plate.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives creates an inviting start to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish every time.
- Overcooking the Pasta – Cooking rigatoni too long can lead to mushy pasta. Always cook until al dente for the best texture.
- Not Seasoning the Chicken – Failing to season the chicken can result in bland flavor. Be generous with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Ignoring the Pasta Water – Discarding all pasta water means missing out on a great sauce adjustment. Reserve some to help thicken and enhance the sauce later.
- Using Pre-Grated Cheese – Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting nicely. Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Cooking at Too High a Heat – Searing chicken at high heat can burn it while leaving it undercooked inside. Moderate heat allows for even cooking without burning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot; cover loosely to avoid splatter.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan that might help you perfect this dish.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While rigatoni works beautifully, you can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
How can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or tofu.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Garlic bread, side salads, or steamed vegetables complement this creamy pasta dish perfectly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Don’t hesitate to customize it based on your preferences!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. With its creamy texture and savory flavors enhanced by freshly grated Parmesan, every bite of this creamy garlic chicken pasta is sure to delight your taste buds. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a family favorite that can easily impress guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 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 rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until golden brown and remove from skillet.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat; sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes; then stir in heavy cream and let thicken for a few minutes before adding Parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with rigatoni; mix well to coat everything in the sauce. Simmer for an additional minute.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
