Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is an ideal dish for any meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it satisfies cravings while being quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner date, this recipe shines with tender chicken and savory garlic butter sauce, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the rigatoni.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a main course but can also be served as a side at gatherings or potlucks.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting meal, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Easily modify ingredients or add veggies to suit your tastes.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows you to sear the chicken evenly and create the sauce in one pan, saving time on cleanup.
- Pot: Using a pot ensures you can boil the rigatoni properly without overcrowding.
- Colander: Draining pasta effectively helps maintain the right texture for your dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 12 oz rigatoni pasta
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– ½ cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the rigatoni and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
Pairing with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan create a classic pairing that complements the pasta.
Accompanying Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Focaccia: This soft, herb-infused bread offers a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the dish.
Adding a Vegetable Side
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy balance and vibrant color to your plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and seasoned, roasted asparagus adds a savory crunch.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
- Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay enhances the creamy texture of the dish.
- Pinot Grigio: This light white wine offers crisp acidity that contrasts well with the richness.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
To achieve the best version of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear until golden brown but ensure it remains juicy by checking internal temperature.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Season Generously: Taste as you cook to adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness to each serving.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh; reheat gently if necessary to maintain creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Complementing your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan with the right side dishes can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside this pasta dish.
- Mixed Roasted Vegetables: A blend of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings flavor variety to the table.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze creates a vibrant Italian touch.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter adds a delightful sweetness to balance the savory pasta.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers great variety.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast that complements the creamy nature of this dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s outcome.
- Skipping seasoning – Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown color and remove it from the skillet when fully cooked but still juicy.
- Not reserving pasta water – This step is crucial for adjusting your sauce’s consistency. Always save some pasta water before draining the rigatoni.
- Neglecting garlic timing – Adding garlic too early can burn it, resulting in a bitter taste. Sauté it for only 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Forgetting about garnishes – Skipping fresh parsley or extra Parmesan can diminish presentation and flavor. Always finish with fresh herbs and cheese for a vibrant touch.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta instead of rigatoni?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
How can I customize Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also use different cheeses such as mozzarella or fontina.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread, providing a nice balance to the creamy pasta.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is not only rich and satisfying but also versatile enough for any dinner occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or trying different cheeses. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, a dish that effortlessly blends tender chicken pieces with rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe delivers delicious comfort in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan; adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add rigatoni, mix well to coat in sauce, and simmer briefly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
