why make this recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and pasta, makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s quick, easy, and requires just a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
how to serve Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni hot, straight from the skillet. To make it even more special, top it with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread, creating a satisfying and complete meal.
how to store Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it again, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You might want to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce while reheating.
tips to make Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute if needed.
- If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the garlic and chicken. Additionally, using shrimp instead of chicken can give a different and delicious twist to the dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
A: Yes! You can use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream, and you can also reduce the amount of butter and cheese.
Q: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?
A: It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
A delightful dish combining rich flavors with tender chicken and creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free with alternative pasta
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
