Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful, creamy pasta dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with tender chicken. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish combines the irresistible taste of garlic butter and the heartiness of rigatoni. With its quick preparation time, it’s an excellent choice for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pasta
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
• Step 2: Sear the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Everything
• Step 6: Serve and Garnish
• How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Pair with a Fresh Salad
• Add Bread for Dipping
• Enhance with Extra Garnishes
• How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I substitute other types of pasta?
• What can I pair with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
• How do I make this dish spicier?
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a savory sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping proteins.
• Comfort Food Appeal: Creamy pasta dishes are always crowd-pleasers, making this a great option for family gatherings or dinner parties.
• One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you!

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling rigatoni to the perfect al dente texture.
• Skillet: A versatile tool for searing chicken and creating the creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for safely cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan:

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

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, and 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 the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the rigatoni and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

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

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan! It’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will add extra flair to this comforting pasta dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan for a classic touch.
• Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad featuring seasonal greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for an Italian twist.

Add Bread for Dipping

• Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce of the pasta.
• Focaccia – Soft and fluffy focaccia bread makes an excellent accompaniment to this dish.

Enhance with Extra Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs – Sprinkling additional parsley or basil adds color and freshness.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese – A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan elevates the flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

For an even more delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve the best results possible.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese greatly enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Ensure the rigatoni is cooked al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste – Everyone’s palate is different; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes based on your preferences.
• Reserve Pasta Water – This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Sear Chicken Properly – Achieving a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken adds depth to the dish’s overall flavor.
• Experiment with Add-ins – Consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Complementing your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Tossed in olive oil and roasted until tender for a flavorful side that pairs perfectly.
3. Grilled Zucchini – Sliced zucchini grilled to perfection adds a smoky flavor that balances the richness of the main dish.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting addition alongside pasta.
5. Antipasto Platter – A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables make for an elegant starter or side option.
6. Risotto – A creamy risotto can serve as an alternative starch that complements the flavors of garlic butter chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overcooking the Chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Sear it until golden brown but be sure to remove it from the heat when it’s just cooked through.
• Neglecting Pasta Water – Forgetting to reserve pasta water can affect sauce consistency. Always keep some on hand to adjust your sauce if needed.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs – Not using fresh parsley for garnish can diminish flavor. Fresh herbs add brightness and color, enhancing your dish’s presentation.
• Using Pre-grated Cheese – Opting for pre-grated Parmesan may lead to a less creamy sauce. Grate your cheese fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments – Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to blandness. Always sample your dish before serving and tweak as necessary.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• To maintain quality, separate the chicken and pasta before freezing if possible.

Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water as needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.

Can I substitute other types of pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne or fusilli.

What can I pair with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili peppers into the garlic butter sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking for even results.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its creamy goodness!