Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine succulent chicken bathing in rich garlic butter, mingling with hearty rigatoni, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a cold day, and trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds!
This recipe doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your soul. Picture this: you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just treating yourself after a long week. Everyone gathers around the table, forks poised, and you watch as they take their first bite. The smiles say it all—this is comfort food at its finest.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavor profile balances buttery richness with garlicky goodness that makes every bite delightful
- Visually appealing with its creamy sauce and golden chicken, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Versatile enough for fancy occasions or casual family nights, it’s a dish everyone will love
I still remember the first time I served this dish to my friends; their faces lit up in delight, and one friend even declared it “life-changing.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how hungry your guests are.
Fresh Garlic: Use 4-6 cloves of fresh garlic for maximum flavor; nothing beats that aromatic punch.
Butter: Go for unsalted butter; this allows you more control over the seasoning.
Rigatoni Pasta: Choose large rigatoni to hold onto that luscious sauce perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for better flavor; trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t forget to adjust according to taste.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually about 10-12 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
Add Garlic and Butter: Once chicken is cooked through, lower heat slightly and add minced garlic. Allow it to sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then toss in the butter until melted and bubbly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the rigatoni (reserve a bit of pasta water) before adding it directly into the skillet with chicken and sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water bit by bit until desired creaminess is reached.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese while everything is still warm—this will create a beautiful creamy coating over the pasta.
Garnish & Serve!: Finish off by garnishing with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately while it’s hot—your taste buds will thank you!
Now you’re ready to serve your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan! Enjoy every savory bite as laughter fills your dining room—a perfect way to bring everyone together!
You Must Know
- Cooking garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan is not just about flavor; it’s about creating a warm, inviting meal that everyone will love
- The aroma of sizzling garlic and buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water
- Plus, you can easily customize this dish to fit any taste preferences!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic sauce for maximum efficiency and deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap rigatoni for penne or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
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 maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season chicken well before cooking to enhance its flavor
- Don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer to develop richness
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish!
Cooking garlic butter chicken with rigatoni reminds me of family dinners where laughter filled the air, and seconds were always requested. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I substitute for butter?
Olive oil works well if you’re looking for a healthier option without compromising flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and hearty pasta for a comforting meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, offering a creamy sauce that envelops each bite in flavor. With the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen, this dish promises to bring joy to every dining table.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot; add rigatoni and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- 3. Add Garlic and Butter: Lower heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in butter until melted.
- 4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained rigatoni to the skillet; mix well. Add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired creaminess.
- 5. Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan while still warm until creamy.
- 6. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 380g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
