There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of pasta, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug after a long day. Today, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite pasta dish: garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce! The first time I made this, I was just trying to use up some leftover chicken, but wow, it turned into a flavor explosion! The rich, buttery garlic sauce combined with tender rigatoni and that creamy parmesan is simply divine. Trust me, it’s a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance and your heart sing. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress friends, this recipe is a keeper!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Making this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is as delightful as eating it! I promise, it’s simpler than you might think. Let’s dive into the steps that’ll lead you to a plate of pure comfort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the water for flavor! Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it just right, not mushy!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to sizzle and smell heavenly! Oh, that aroma is just the beginning!
- Add in 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it; we want the garlic to be fragrant, not burnt! Stir it often, and enjoy the delightful smell wafting through your kitchen.
- Now, toss in the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Stir it around for about 3-4 minutes or until it’s heated through. If you’re using leftover chicken, this is a great way to give it new life!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This should take just a couple of minutes—be patient! You want it to bubble softly, not boil over.
- Once simmering, stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully combined into a creamy sauce. It’s like magic, watching it all come together!
- Finally, add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that luscious sauce. Oh my goodness, you’re almost there!
- Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And just like that, your garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce is ready to impress!
Enjoy every creamy, garlicy bite—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 25 minutes!
- The rich, creamy parmesan sauce is incredibly comforting and satisfying.
- Perfect for using up leftover chicken, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Garlic butter adds a delightful depth of flavor that you’ll crave again and again.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that pleases both kids and adults alike!
- The leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your garlic butter chicken rigatoni even more delightful, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the garlic—sauté it until it’s just golden to bring out that amazing flavor. If you want an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of pasta water when mixing in the rigatoni; it helps everything stick together beautifully. Also, feel free to adjust the garlic to your liking—if you’re a garlic lover, go for more! Lastly, don’t skimp on the parsley garnish; it not only looks pretty but adds a fresh touch that brightens the whole dish!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with your garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce, there are plenty of delicious options! For a twist, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian delight. You can also add some veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some roasted red peppers or even a hint of lemon zest for brightness. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make this dish your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce, it’s good to know what you’re savoring! Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you opt for lighter alternatives or different types of cheese. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs and enjoy your meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding onto that creamy parmesan sauce, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or even whole milk in a pinch. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still delicious. Just remember to simmer it gently so it thickens nicely!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove and add the cooked rigatoni. Freshly cooked pasta is key for the best texture!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to bring back that creamy consistency!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free rigatoni, this garlic butter chicken rigatoni in creamy parmesan sauce can be a delicious option for those avoiding gluten. Just keep an eye on the other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free!
Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Bliss
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A rich and creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni dish with parmesan.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Toss in cooked rigatoni and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quick preparation.
- Adjust garlic amount according to preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Pasta
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 40g
- Graisses Saturées: 25g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: garlic butter chicken rigatoni, creamy parmesan sauce, chicken pasta recipe
