Description
If you’re in search of a flavorful dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture as per the package instructions. Once done, drain and remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, which will be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- As the pasta cooks, heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper to elevate its natural flavors. Place the chicken in the hot butter and allow it to sear until it achieves a golden-brown color, ensuring the meat is cooked through, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet to incorporate all the flavors. Add the minced garlic, letting it sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and a light golden brown. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream into the mix, allowing it to simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes as it starts to thicken. Once the desired thickness is reached, fold in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is perfectly smooth.
- Return the previously cooked chicken and drained rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, use a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preference. Allow everything to simmer together on a low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese before serving to add a fresh touch to your dish.
Notes
Always reserve pasta water; it’s a secret ingredient for adjusting the sauce to your preferred consistency without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 38 g