Description
A creamy and savory Garlic Butter Chicken served with tender rigatoni pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish combines juicy chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection with a rich garlic butter cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water then drain the pasta.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Gradually mix in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency by adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together to coat well with the creamy sauce. Let simmer together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon.
- Parmesan cheese must be freshly grated for best melting and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less butter.
