Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a dish that dances on your taste buds, mixing savory garlic, creamy butter, and tender chicken in a symphony of flavors. Imagine the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful meal, making your family wonder if they’re about to be treated to a five-star restaurant experience.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and your loved ones gather around the table, their faces lighting up as they catch a whiff of rich garlic butter simmering away. This dish evokes memories of cozy family dinners and laughter, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and festive occasions when you want to impress without stressing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is incredibly easy to whip up after a long day
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that looks as good as it tastes
- Its vibrant presentation makes it an instant crowd-pleaser at any dinner gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes!
I still remember the first time I made Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
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Rigatoni Pasta: This pasta’s ridges hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
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Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it’s essential for that rich flavor.
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Fresh Garlic: Use about 4-6 cloves for that robust garlic kick—fresh is always best!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own cheese for maximum flavor; it’s worth the effort.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the dish’s richness; don’t skimp!
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all the flavors in this delightful meal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining for later use.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and melt half of the butter. Once hot, place chicken breasts in the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic and Remaining Butter: When chicken is cooked through, add minced garlic along with remaining butter to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—watch for browning!
Toss in Pasta: Add cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet. Toss everything together gently while adding reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve desired creaminess.
Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Stir until everything is well combined—your kitchen will smell divine!
Serve Hot!: Plate your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni immediately while it’s steamy hot! Don’t forget extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent—enjoy!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners
- This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken for a golden crust, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the rich garlic butter sauce. This sequence keeps everything warm and fresh, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rigatoni for your favorite pasta shape or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Experimenting with spices like red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy chicken, let it rest after cooking; this keeps it moist
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasoning
- Don’t forget to reserve pasta water to thicken sauces!
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish. Their joy was contagious, and now I can’t make it without smiling!
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta for garlic butter chicken?
Yes! Any pasta shape you prefer will work well with this recipe.
How do I make the garlic butter sauce richer?
Add more butter or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook everything ahead and simply reheat before serving for convenience.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and hearty rigatoni pasta. This comforting meal not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also brings joy to your family gatherings. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress without the stress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and melt half the butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Toss cooked rigatoni into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water gradually until you reach desired creaminess.
- Finish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Stir well to combine.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (340g)
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
