This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines the richness of garlic butter sauce with tender chicken and hearty rigatoni. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also sure to impress your family and friends. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a luxurious taste that elevates any meal.
Versatile Dish: Pair it with a salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner experience that fits any setting.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting pasta dish, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Cooking spoon
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the flavorful sauce.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for the best results.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz rigatoni pasta

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For 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, season 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; let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth. If too thick, stir in reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return cooked chicken to skillet; toss in sauce. Add rigatoni, mixing until fully coated. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat; garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying—a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Serving Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

Family Style

Serve the pasta in a large bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at the dinner table.

Individual Plates

Plate each serving of rigatoni and chicken neatly, garnishing with fresh parsley for color. A touch of extra Parmesan on top adds an elegant finish.

With a Side Salad

Pair the dish with a crisp garden salad. A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

As Part of a Buffet

If hosting a gathering, include Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni as part of a buffet spread. It’s easy to serve and will surely please your guests.

Leftovers for Lunch

Pack any leftovers in meal prep containers for lunch the next day. Reheat gently to enjoy this delicious dish again.

How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Perfecting your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook rigatoni until al dente for better texture that holds up in the sauce.
Balance the Sauce – If it becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
Let It Rest – Allowing the dish to sit for a minute after cooking helps the flavors meld together nicely.
Adjust Seasonings – Taste before serving; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on personal preference.
Garnish Wisely – A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan adds visual appeal and flavor right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Complementing your main dish enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair well with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.

Garlic Bread – A classic choice that soaks up any leftover sauce wonderfully.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds bright color and nutrition; steam lightly to maintain crunchiness.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized complement the richness of the pasta.
Caprese Salad – Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light, zesty side.
Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus brings a smoky flavor that balances well with creamy pasta.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables makes for an appealing starter or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting to season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt and pepper for better taste.
Overcooking the pasta – Cooking rigatoni for too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely, aiming for al dente.
Not reserving pasta water – Forgetting to save some pasta water means you might miss out on adjusting the sauce’s consistency. Reserve at least half a cup before draining.
Burning garlic – Sautéing garlic too long can turn it bitter. Keep an eye on it and cook until just fragrant.
Using pre-grated cheese – Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that affect melting. Grate fresh cheese for a creamier sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Cool completely before freezing.
Place in freezer-safe containers or bags; use within 2-3 months.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or reserved pasta water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, check these FAQs:

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute rigatoni with penne or fusilli based on your preference.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta alternatives and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be great additions for extra nutrition.

What can I serve alongside Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?

A light salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy this heartwarming meal!

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan. This delightful dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, enveloping hearty rigatoni pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this creamy recipe is sure to impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen.

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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
Melt butter in the same skillet; add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream; let it thicken before adding Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Mix in reserved pasta water if needed, then return chicken to the skillet along with cooked rigatoni, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: American