Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying, you’ve got to try my creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni! This recipe is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights when I just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, buttery sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken makes every bite feel like a warm hug! I remember the first time I whipped this up for friends—they couldn’t get enough! Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
For this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Start with 12 oz of rigatoni pasta, which will soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. You’ll also need 1 lb of chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Don’t forget 4 cloves of garlic, minced to release that amazing aroma! Next, grab 1/2 cup of unsalted butter for richness, along with 1 cup of heavy cream to create the dreamy sauce. Add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, some chopped parsley makes for a lovely garnish!
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Easy Homemade Recipe
Let’s dive into making this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Cooking Rigatoni
First things first, let’s get that rigatoni cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your 12 oz of rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes. You want it al dente, so check it a minute or two before the timer goes off. Don’t forget to save about a cup of that pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for our sauce!
Preparing the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in your diced chicken (1 lb) and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You want those chicken pieces to be juicy and tender, so make sure there’s no pink left!
Creating the Sauce
Now, it’s time for the magic! Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Now, add in that 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it’s melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to get that perfect creamy consistency.
Combining Ingredients
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat the pasta in that luscious sauce. If it feels a bit dry, just add more of that reserved pasta water until you get the creaminess you love. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Rich and creamy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible
- Tender chicken paired with perfectly cooked rigatoni
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or veggies
- One-pot wonder for easy cleanup
- A comforting dish that feels like a warm hug
Tips for Success
To make your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the garlic—if you love it as much as I do, feel free to add an extra clove or two for a bolder flavor. Also, remember to let your butter melt completely before adding the chicken; this helps in getting that perfect golden brown color. If you want to elevate the dish, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of richness. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you go; it makes all the difference!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, I’ve got some delicious ideas! You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist—just cook them until they’re pink and tender. For a veggie-packed version, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You could even go meatless and use a plant-based protein like tofu. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let the creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive that creamy sauce. Stir gently until warmed through, and you’ll be back in comfort food heaven!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni. You’re looking at approximately 650 calories, with about 40g of fat and 30g of protein—pretty satisfying, right? It also contains around 50g of carbohydrates, making it a hearty meal. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your creamy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and sauce in advance, then just combine everything when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to save time during busy evenings!
What can I substitute for the chicken? If you’re looking for a change, feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or even a mix of your favorite vegetables. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How can I make the sauce thicker? If you want a richer sauce, try adding a bit more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up. Just remember to keep stirring!
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free rigatoni to keep it safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy garlic pasta recipe or this creamy chicken pasta recipe!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is a simple and delicious homemade recipe.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variation.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni easy homemade recipe
