Imagine twirling perfectly cooked rigatoni around your fork, each piece generously coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of flavor and comfort. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps itself around you like a warm hug on a chilly night.
The best part? It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish fits right in. Picture your friends devouring it while sharing laughter and stories—it’s the kind of recipe that creates memories as rich as its taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan offers immense flavor while remaining easy to prepare
- It is visually stunning, presenting a beautiful blend of colors on your plate
- Perfect for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for special occasions
- This dish is versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor
I once made this dish for an impromptu dinner party, and let’s just say my friends still haven’t stopped talking about it. Their delighted faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they do wonders in this recipe.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it gives richness without overpowering.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty depth that pre-grated cheese simply can’t match.
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Rigatoni Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the sauce beautifully; feel free to swap with your favorite type if needed.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds a lovely pop of color.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings everything together with its fruity notes.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter for easy access while cooking. Chop the garlic finely and set aside so you can unleash its aromatic power when needed.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add rigatoni. Cook until al dente—about 10-12 minutes—then drain while reserving some pasta water for later.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—around 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic Goodness: Throw in chopped garlic once the chicken is nearly done cooking. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to burn it because nobody likes bitter garlic!
Toss It All Together: Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add rigatoni along with reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle.
Finish with Flair: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted into gooey perfection. Sprinkle chopped parsley over everything for that final touch of freshness before serving.
Now you have created an unforgettable dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds—or thirds! Enjoy every bite of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan!
You Must Know
- This garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and Parmesan is a comfort dish that delights all ages
- The fragrant garlic scent fills your kitchen, drawing everyone in
- It’s easy to prepare, yet impressive enough for dinner parties, making it a go-to recipe in my collection
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those juiciness, then cook the pasta while preparing the irresistible sauce. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also elevate the dish with vibrant color and taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep everything moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To perfect your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and Parmesan, remember to use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente is key!
- Lastly, don’t skip garnishing it with extra cheese; it adds that irresistible touch
The first time I made garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and Parmesan, my friends dubbed me “Gourmet Guru.” Their delighted faces as they devoured every bite made my heart soar!
FAQ
What can I substitute for rigatoni?
Penne or fusilli works well as alternatives; they hold sauce beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with al dente rigatoni and topped with freshly grated parmesan. Ideal for cozy nights or elegant gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the garlic and gathering all components on your counter for easy access.
- Cook the rigatoni: Boil a large pot of salted water, add rigatoni, and cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Add garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic when the chicken is nearly done cooking, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet with rigatoni and reserved pasta water. Toss together to create a silky sauce.
- Finish: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Top with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, substitute chicken with shrimp or incorporate sun-dried tomatoes. - Fresh herbs like basil can enhance taste and presentation. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.