Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with its creamy sauce and rich flavors that just dance on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it for a family dinner; everyone was raving about it! It’s so simple yet so indulgent, making it perfect for those cozy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Just imagine tender chicken swimming in a garlic butter sauce, all tangled up with rigatoni pasta. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking, as it makes the process so much smoother! Enjoy the prep and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—actually making this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your 8 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. You want that perfect bite! Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—let the pasta hang onto its starchy goodness!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Ah, that buttery scent! Once it’s melted, toss in your diced chicken breasts and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want it juicy and flavorful, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Now, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Add the minced garlic (4 cloves) to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not burnt—garlic can go from delicious to disastrous quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! As the cream warms up, it will thicken slightly. Now, add the cooked rigatoni and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated in that luscious sauce. You’re going to want to dive right in at this point, but hold on!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, give it one last good stir to ensure everything is combined. Garnish your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot, and watch your family and friends devour it! Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite—you’ve earned it!
FAQ Section
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Using shrimp is a fantastic twist on this dish. Just make sure to peel and devein them first. You’ll want to add the shrimp into the skillet after you sauté the garlic. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s a delicious alternative that brings a whole new flavor to the table!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers—though I doubt you will!—storing them is super easy. Just transfer the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to warm it through. You might want to add a splash of cream or a bit of water to loosen up the sauce, too!
What can I add for extra flavor?
Oh, there are so many tasty options! You can toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to elevate the flavor profile. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten everything up beautifully. Get creative and make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Rich, creamy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Easy cleanup—one skillet means less mess and more time to relax.
- Family-friendly dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni turns out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my best tips to ensure you nail it every time:
- Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest chicken and high-quality butter. It really makes a difference in flavor! Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese either—freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully into the sauce.
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your garlic while sautéing. It only needs 1-2 minutes until fragrant, so don’t walk away! Burnt garlic can ruin the dish, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente when cooking the rigatoni. This means it should still have a bit of bite to it. It will continue to cook a little when mixed with the sauce, so you want it just right before combining.
- Mix Gently: When you’re combining the rigatoni with the sauce, be gentle! You want the pasta to be coated in that creamy goodness without breaking it apart. A light touch goes a long way!
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors. Cooking is all about personal preference, so make it yours!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it hot right after mixing for that creamy, dreamy experience. If you let it sit too long, the sauce may thicken up, but it’ll still be delicious!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands and typical serving sizes, so they may vary slightly based on what you use:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish packs a hearty punch of flavor while still being satisfying, making it a wonderful choice for a comforting meal. Enjoy every bite, knowing just how deliciously nourishing it is!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pairing with my Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, the options are endless! Here are a few delightful suggestions that will complement the creamy goodness of the dish:
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up that delicious sauce. It’s a classic combo that everyone loves!
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch and a bit of tanginess that balances out the rich flavors of the rigatoni.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a healthy touch, serve some lightly steamed broccoli on the side. It adds color and a nutritious boost to your meal!
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, brings vibrant flavors and makes the meal more colorful.
- White Wine: If you’re in the mood for a drink, a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
These sides not only enhance your dining experience but also make it feel like a special occasion at home. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftovers of this creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni (which can be hard to believe!), storing them is a breeze. Just grab an airtight container and transfer the leftover pasta into it. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep all that delicious garlic butter flavor locked in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But trust me, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
When you’re ready to dive back into this tasty dish, reheating it is key to keeping that creamy texture just right. I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Simply place the leftover rigatoni in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or a little water to help loosen up the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until it’s heated through, and voilà! You’ve got a comforting meal ready to enjoy again. Microwaving works too, but be cautious—it can sometimes make the pasta a bit chewy. So, if you can, go for the skillet method for that freshly made feel!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy pasta dish loaded with flavor. Tender chicken and rigatoni pasta come together in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made with shrimp instead of chicken.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, Pasta, Chicken, Garlic, Creamy Sauce