Description
This indulgent pasta dish features perfectly cooked rigatoni, tender chicken, and a luscious, creamy garlic butter sauce infused with Parmesan cheese. Quick to make yet restaurant-quality, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken in a single layer for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained rigatoni, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Final Touches: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken breasts with shrimp, Italian sausage, or tofu for variety.
- Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
- Enhance nutrition by mixing in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm over low heat to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American