Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe! It’s one of those dishes that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Picture this: tender chicken pieces swimming in a luscious, rich garlic butter sauce, all lovingly enveloped by perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest! The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked on the incredible flavors and the way it hugs you like a warm blanket on a chilly night. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciousness—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe. I promise these ingredients are simple, and you might even have most of them in your kitchen already!
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe! I promise it’s easier than you think, and you’ll be savoring every bite in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually go heavy on the salt—it makes a world of difference in flavor! Once it’s bubbling away, add the 8 oz rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Preparing the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, let’s get that delicious garlic butter sauce going! In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Don’t walk away—it can burn quickly! Next, add in the 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer, then stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
Combining Everything
Now comes the fun part! Once your rigatoni is cooked and drained, toss it into the skillet with the creamy sauce. I like to use tongs for this—it really helps to coat each piece of pasta evenly in that luscious sauce. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. And there you have it, a beautiful dish ready to be served! Garnish with some chopped parsley for that pop of color, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Now that you know how to make this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving, which makes it easier to enjoy this dish guilt-free:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But wow, with all that creamy goodness and tender chicken, I think it’s a pretty satisfying meal! Enjoy every savory bite without worrying too much about the numbers—just remember to savor the flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, comforting flavors: The combination of garlic butter and creamy sauce enveloping the chicken and pasta is like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen, so it’s easy to whip up when the cravings hit!
- Hearty and satisfying: This dish is packed with protein and flavor, leaving you feeling full and content after every delicious bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in different proteins to make it your own!
- Kid-friendly: With its creamy texture and delicious taste, even the pickiest eaters will love this meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow home cooks, let’s make sure your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe turns out perfectly every time! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results and avoid any common pitfalls.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on your rigatoni! Cooking it just until al dente is key, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce. If you overcook it, you might end up with mushy pasta.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a vibrant flavor that pre-minced garlic just can’t match. Plus, it only takes a few seconds to mince, so it’s totally worth it!
- Adjust the Cream: If you like your sauce a little lighter, feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream. You can add less for a thicker sauce or a bit more to make it extra creamy. Just keep in mind that this will change the calorie count a bit!
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the pasta with the sauce, make sure to mix well! This ensures that every piece of rigatoni gets coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce, enhancing the flavor in every bite.
- Save Pasta Water: This is a game changer! If your sauce is too thick, adding a little reserved pasta water can help loosen it up. It’s starchy and helps bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the chopped parsley! Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but it also brings a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time! If you know you’ll be busy, prepare everything up to mixing the pasta and sauce, then reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, here are some delicious variations for your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe! These tweaks can elevate the dish and keep your taste buds excited.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! You can easily substitute with shrimp, diced turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture!
- Veggie Boost: Add some colorful veggies for extra nutrition and flavor! Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully. Just toss them in when you add the chicken to the skillet for a vibrant and hearty dish!
- Herbaceous Delight: Fresh herbs can take this recipe to the next level. Try adding basil, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for a fragrant and flavorful kick. Just a handful will make a big difference!
- Cheesy Goodness: If you love cheese (who doesn’t?), consider mixing in some mozzarella or goat cheese along with the Parmesan. It adds an extra layer of creaminess and deliciousness that’s hard to resist!
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. It’s a simple way to spice things up without overwhelming the dish!
- Different Pasta Shapes: While rigatoni is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes! Penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine can work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
With these variations, you can customize your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe to your taste. Have fun experimenting, and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni leftovers delicious for later! First off, if you have any leftovers (which is a good sign of a tasty meal!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that rich flavor and creamy texture.
Once the dish has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep out any unwanted smells from your fridge—nobody wants their pasta tasting like yesterday’s fish!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, here’s how to reheat it without losing that creamy goodness. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Heat a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter in the pan and then add your leftover rigatoni. Stir gently and add a splash of milk or extra cream if it looks too thick; this will help bring back that luscious consistency. Keep stirring until it’s heated through, and voilà!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, add a little bit of milk or cream, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just remember, it’s best to go low and slow to avoid drying it out!
And that’s it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni will taste just as good the next day as it did the first time around. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is a fantastic choice for this dish, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly with different pasta types.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Definitely! You can reduce the amount of heavy cream or swap it for half-and-half or a lighter cream. You could also add more veggies to bulk it up without adding extra calories. Just remember, the creamy flavor will be a bit lighter too!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe can be prepared in advance. Just cook everything up to the mixing stage, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to keep it creamy.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up thicker than you’d like, just add a little of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk. Stir it in until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water will help the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While I recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe You’ll Love
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and hearty pasta.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped 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.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until combined.
- Toss in the cooked rigatoni and mix well.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Italian herbs.
- Adjust cream quantity for desired consistency.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Pasta
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 35g
- Graisses Saturées: 20g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 120mg
Mots-clés: creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe
