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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, buttery garlic sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a luscious, family-friendly meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the Rigatoni: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the rigatoni.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine and Finish the Dish: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and well combined. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until reaching the desired consistency.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; cook only until fragrant.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it stick to the pasta.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and enhanced flavor.
  • Add fresh parsley or basil at the end to brighten the dish with color and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic butter chicken, rigatoni pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, Italian-inspired, creamy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rigatoni/