Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the pure joy that is creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with rich, buttery flavors that wrap around you in the most comforting way. I whip this up when I want something quick yet indulgent—perfect for busy weeknights or when I’m entertaining friends. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my go-to favorites. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that makes my heart sing!
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta, sturdy enough to hold onto the creamy sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, to create that luscious garlic butter base
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, because the more garlic, the better!
- 1 cup heavy cream, to bring a rich and velvety texture
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated for the best flavor and melt
- Salt to taste, don’t be shy here; it really enhances everything
- Pepper to taste, for that little kick that balances the richness
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and fresh flavor on top
How to Prepare Instructions
Cooking the Rigatoni
Let’s kick things off by cooking the rigatoni pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—seriously, don’t skip the salt; it’s a game changer for flavor! Once boiling, add the 2 cups of rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10–12 minutes, until al dente. You want that perfect bite! Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside, but make sure to reserve a little pasta water just in case we need to loosen up the sauce later.
Sautéing the Chicken
Next up, it’s chicken time! In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As the butter starts to bubble, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—just a minute or so. Now, season the 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F is what you’re aiming for!). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps keep it juicy!
Creating the Sauce
Now onto the creamy goodness! In the same skillet, add in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it into that buttery, garlicky goodness left behind. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then gradually mix in the 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s melted and smooth—this is where the magic happens! If the sauce feels too thick, you can use a splash of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
Finally, let’s bring everything together! Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss in the rigatoni and gently mix everything so that the pasta is well coated with that luscious sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta and chicken gets a nice coating! Serve it up hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that vibrant finish. You’re in for a treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce:
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a guide rather than a strict rule. Enjoy the deliciousness without worrying too much about the numbers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Rich and flavorful, with that irresistible creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Gluten-free option available—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce like a pro! Here are my top tips to elevate your dish:
- Selecting the Right Parmesan: Always go for freshly grated parmesan cheese if you can—it melts beautifully and gives a richer flavor than the pre-grated stuff. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Adjusting Garlic to Your Taste: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two. But if you prefer a milder flavor, you can always reduce it. Just remember, garlic can be quite potent, so find that balance!
- Preventing a Separated Sauce: When adding the heavy cream to the skillet, keep the heat on medium-low. If it gets too hot, the sauce can separate, and we don’t want that! Stir it gently and keep an eye on it for a silky smooth finish.
- Consistency is Key: If your sauce feels too thick after adding the parmesan, don’t hesitate to splash in a little of that reserved pasta water. It’s a lifesaver for achieving just the right texture!
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, keeping it tender and delicious!
- Garnish for the Win: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor contrast to the rich sauce. Don’t skip this step; it really brightens up the dish!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce! Here are a few ideas that can add a new twist to this classic dish:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. Zucchini or cherry tomatoes are also fantastic options that add color and freshness!
- Different Pasta Shapes: While rigatoni is perfect for holding that creamy sauce, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Each shape will give the dish its own unique vibe!
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Variations: Mix it up with different cheeses! Try adding some mozzarella for a stretchy, melty element or a bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just be sure to adjust the quantities to maintain that creamy consistency.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when you’re mixing the sauce. It elevates the flavor profile and gives it a delightful kick!
- Protein Swaps: While chicken is a classic choice, you could swap it out for shrimp or even sautéed sausage for a different protein punch. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to tailor this dish to your personal taste. So go ahead, have fun with it, and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce! First things first, if you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe, because it’s so good!), let the 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—just make sure it’s sealed tight to maintain that creamy goodness!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop to keep the dish from drying out. Just add your leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat. You might want to splash in a little bit of water or extra cream to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir it gently until everything is heated through. This way, you’ll get that lovely texture back and enjoy every bite just like when it was fresh!
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or some paper towel to avoid splatters, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed to your liking. Remember, the key is to go low and slow to keep that creamy sauce intact. Enjoy your comforting leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this amazing creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! You’ll want to balance those rich flavors with some lighter sides that complement the dish beautifully.
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp side salad is a perfect match! I love a simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, making each bite even more enjoyable!
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. Plus, who doesn’t love that crispy, garlicky goodness?
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving a medley of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender. The slight char adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a pop of color and a nutritious element. Just a squeeze of lemon juice on top elevates it and enhances the entire meal!
- Caesar Salad: For a classic pairing, you can’t beat a Caesar salad. The crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons add a nice textural contrast to the rich pasta dish.
With these sides, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy every bite of your creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni, and let those sides elevate your dining experience!
Imprimer
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni: 30-Minute Joy
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: Serves 4
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Creamy garlic butter chicken served with rigatoni in a rich parmesan sauce.
Ingrédients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with garlic butter.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce.
- Toss the cooked rigatoni in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh parmesan for better flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 40g
- Graisses Saturées: 25g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: creamy garlic butter chicken, rigatoni, parmesan sauce
