Description
Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting and rich pasta dish ready in just 40 minutes. Tender chicken breast chunks are seared and simmered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, then tossed with rigatoni pasta that perfectly holds every bit of the savory sauce. This easy one-skillet meal combines bold flavors of garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a dinner that feels both decadent and satisfying, ideal for weeknight family meals or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into chunks
Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley or Basil, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken chunks seasoned with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, then add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat all pieces in the creamy sauce evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top if using, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for more juiciness.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
