Let me tell you, nothing beats a cozy evening with a plate of garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan! This dish is my go-to when I want something quick yet packed with flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that feels gourmet but is so simple to prepare. The moment the garlic hits the pan and that buttery aroma fills the kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Alright, let’s dive into this delicious dish! I promise, once you get the hang of this, it’s going to be a regular on your dinner rotation. Let’s start with the rigatoni, shall we?
Cooking the Rigatoni
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like crazy, add in your 8 ounces of rigatoni. I like to cook mine for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s al dente. You want it firm enough to hold its shape but tender enough to enjoy. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can even save a cup of that pasta water just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now, onto the good stuff! In a skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As soon as it’s melted, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Be careful here; you want to sauté it until it’s fragrant, which should take about a minute. Keep an eye on it because burnt garlic can turn bitter in a heartbeat! The smell is going to be incredible!
Cooking the Chicken
While the garlic is doing its thing, let’s season our 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s nice and golden brown and cooked through. I always check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be white all the way through, no pink allowed!
Combining Ingredients
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Once the chicken is cooked, slice it up and remove it from the skillet. Drain your rigatoni and add it directly to the skillet with that beautiful garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta around to ensure it’s well-coated. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add a splash of that reserved pasta water!
Serving the Dish
To plate, just grab a generous helping of the garlic butter rigatoni, top it with those lovely slices of chicken, and sprinkle on about a cup of grated parmesan cheese. For that finishing touch, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Wow, look at that! You’ve got yourself a gorgeous, mouth-watering meal that’s ready to impress!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option if you prefer a juicier meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have rigatoni?
No worries at all! You can substitute rigatoni with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary a bit!
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce while it cooks. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work wonders!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I love this dish fresh, you can prep the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately in the fridge. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to eat!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of flavor with the rich garlic butter sauce and savory parmesan.
- Comforting and satisfying, making it a great meal for the whole family.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Versatile enough to tweak with your favorite pasta shapes or add veggies!
- Impressive enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough for beginners.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan turns out perfectly every time!
- Adjusting Garlic Levels: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to throw in an extra clove or two! Just remember, the more garlic you add, the stronger the flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can always start with less and add more to your liking.
- Using Chicken Thighs: Switching to chicken thighs can really elevate this dish! They’re juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. Just be sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Choosing Pasta Shapes: While rigatoni is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cook time; it may vary slightly depending on the pasta.
- Experimenting with Cheese: Parmesan is delicious, but you can also mix it up with pecorino romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for a cheesy pull. The key is to use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor!
- Make it a Meal: Want to add some veggies? Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli when you add the rigatoni to the skillet. They’ll cook perfectly in the garlic butter sauce and add a delightful burst of color and nutrition!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to whip up a dish that not only tastes amazing but also impresses anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are countless ways to customize your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan! Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some vibrant veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Just add them to the skillet shortly after the garlic for a quick sauté and let them soak up that delicious garlic butter flavor!
- Herb Infusions: Switch up the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano. Adding them towards the end of cooking will keep their fresh taste vibrant. You could even use a sprinkle of dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand!
- Pasta Alternatives: While rigatoni is wonderful, don’t hesitate to try other pasta shapes! Penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta can change the texture and taste just a bit, making the dish feel new and exciting.
- Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Instead of parmesan, try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a creamy, gooey texture or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy kick.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. It’ll give your dish a delightful zing that’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
- Protein Swaps: For a twist, try using shrimp or scallops instead of chicken! Just be mindful of cooking times; seafood cooks faster, so you’ll want to adjust accordingly.
With these variations, your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan will never get boring. Get creative and make it your own—each twist will lead to a new favorite version!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious meals, it’s great to know what you’re fueling your body with. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving of this garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan, based on common ingredients:
- Calories: 540
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or any additional toppings you might add. But overall, it’s a satisfying meal that provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and flavor! Enjoy every bite knowing it’s both tasty and nourishing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so let’s talk about those delicious leftovers! If you find yourself with extra garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan, you definitely want to store it properly to keep all that fabulous flavor intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Make sure to let your dish cool down to room temperature before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long because it’s just too good!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to stash it away for longer, you can freeze it! Just portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, and make sure to label them with the date. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Now, onto reheating! You want to make sure you don’t dry it out:
- Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, pop your portion in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop Method: I prefer reheating on the stovetop for the best results! Just add your leftovers to a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of butter or olive oil. Stir occasionally and add a splash of reserved pasta water if it looks a bit dry. This way, it’ll taste almost as fresh as when you first made it!
With these simple steps, you can savor every bite of your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan, even days later. Enjoy!
Imprimer
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan Bliss
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A simple and flavorful garlic butter chicken served with rigatoni and topped with parmesan cheese.
Ingrédients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Slice the cooked chicken.
- Drain rigatoni and add to the skillet with garlic butter.
- Toss rigatoni to coat with the garlic butter.
- Serve rigatoni topped with sliced chicken and grated parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Adjust garlic quantity based on preference.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 65g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 85mg
Mots-clés: garlic butter chicken, rigatoni, parmesan, chicken recipe
