Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is like a warm hug on a plate, wrapping you in savory goodness from the first bite. Imagine juicy chicken bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling with perfectly cooked rigatoni and showered with freshly grated Parmesan. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will have your mouth watering in anticipation, making it hard to resist diving right in.
This dish is not just about flavor; itβs also about memories. Picture family dinners filled with laughter, where everyone fights over the last spoonful of that irresistible garlic butter sauce. Whether itβs a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering of friends, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan brings people together around the table, creating moments worth savoring.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal
- With its delightful combination of flavors, every bite is a burst of savory goodness
- The beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself
- Plus, itβs versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 3-4 chicken breasts will do; adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Use about 4-6 cloves of minced garlic for that punchy aroma and flavor.
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Rigatoni Pasta: One pound of rigatoni provides the perfect shape to hold onto that creamy sauce.
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Unsalted Butter: About half a cup adds richness; choose unsalted for better control over saltiness.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings that irresistible cheesy goodness; avoid pre-grated for best results.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sautΓ© the chicken beautifully without sticking.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors throughout the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and set aside your chicken breasts so theyβre ready for action.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add one pound of rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you work on the chicken.
Step 3: SautΓ© the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and melt half a cup of unsalted butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, reduce heat to low and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it gently into the melted butter for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss in your cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the garlic butter chicken. Mix everything well so every piece gets coated in that heavenly sauce.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top and give it one last toss before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over each serving for that perfect finishing touch. For more inspiration, check out this Explore more main dishes recipe.
Now youβre ready to dig into this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan! Enjoy every creamy, buttery bite while reminiscing about those magical family gatherings around the dinner table. Bon appΓ©tit!
You Must Know
- This delightful Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan offers a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds
- Itβs perfect for a cozy family dinner or a classy date night
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken will make everyone swoon!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors. While it sizzles, cook the rigatoni until al dente. Then, whip up that dreamy garlic butter sauce, combining everything into one glorious dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rigatoni for any pasta you have on hand. Try adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of color and nutrients. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some heat if youβre feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to preserve creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your chicken generously before cooking to enhance flavor
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste in your sauce
- Finally, donβt forget to let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce; it absorbs all that delicious flavor!
Sometimes, I whip up this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan when friends come over, and their reactions are pricelessβeveryone asks for seconds, and I get to bask in my culinary glory!
FAQs:
What are the main ingredients in Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
To make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, youβll need boneless chicken breasts, rigatoni pasta, garlic, butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can also enhance the flavor with herbs like parsley or basil. These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish that is sure to please your family or guests.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?
Preparation time for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is approximately 15 minutes. Cooking time takes around 20 minutes, making the total time about 35 minutes. This quick cooking method makes it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious but donβt have hours to spend in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Check out cooking tips recipe.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Garlic Butter Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can customize this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat rigatoni or swapping heavy cream for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt. You can also use shrimp or vegetables instead of chicken for a different protein source.
Is Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in airtight containers. Simply reheat portions when youβre ready to eat. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even tastier the next day!
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan:
In conclusion, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with a creamy texture. It is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like chicken, rigatoni, butter, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is both satisfying and versatile. Whether youβre cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food, combining succulent chicken, al dente rigatoni, and a rich garlic butter sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a burst of savory flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- Β½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Mince garlic and grate Parmesan.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and melt butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about one minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Top with grated Parmesan before serving, drizzling any remaining sauce on plates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: SautΓ©ing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 340g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Substitute rigatoni with any pasta you have on hand for variety. Enhance nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.