Let me tell you, this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe has quickly stolen the spotlight in my kitchen! It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. I remember the first time I whipped this up; the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled the air, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, which is a total win for busy nights. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that rich and satisfying flavor, so let’s get into it!
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta: This hearty pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Dicing it ensures it warms through evenly in the sauce.
- 4 tablespoons butter: This is where the magic begins! Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning in your dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds such a wonderful flavor! Don’t skimp on this—mince it finely so it can infuse the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. If you want a lighter version, feel free to swap it out for half-and-half.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best to get that rich, cheesy flavor. It melts beautifully into the sauce, adding depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors together. I always recommend starting with a pinch and adjusting as you go!
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A pop of color and freshness! It brightens up the dish just before serving.
How to Prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the delicious journey of making this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want enough water to allow the rigatoni to move freely—about 4-6 quarts should do it. Once boiling, add the 12 oz rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Aim for al dente texture since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. This is where the magic starts! Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—nobody wants bitter garlic in their creamy sauce!
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Cream
Next, stir in 2 cups of diced cooked chicken to the skillet. You want to heat it through, so let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where it gets luscious!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it melts into the sauce, creating that creamy consistency we all love. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—start with a pinch and adjust as needed!
Step 5: Toss with Rigatoni
Once your sauce is beautifully creamy, toss in the drained rigatoni. Make sure every piece of pasta is well coated with that heavenly sauce—this is where you want to get in there and mix it up!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up hot, and maybe pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that extra sauce. Enjoy every bite of this creamy delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and creamy Parmesan creates an indulgent sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Comforting Texture: The creamy sauce clings to the rigatoni, delivering a satisfying bite every time.
- Versatile: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep—it’s a great way to use what you have!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese—it’s a game changer for flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic before adding the chicken; it adds a lovely depth. Also, don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the garlic become fragrant is key to infusing the sauce with flavor. Lastly, remember to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning throughout ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is definitely a comforting option, but with that creamy goodness comes a bit of indulgence. Enjoy it as an occasional treat while savoring every rich and flavorful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different pasta types?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe because its ridges hold onto the sauce, you can definitely swap it out for other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would work well too! Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary slightly depending on the shape you choose. The key is to go for something hearty that can stand up to that luscious sauce!
How can I make this dish lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are a couple of easy swaps you can make. First, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream—this will still give you a creamy texture without all the calories. You could also reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons instead of 4. Another option is to load up on veggies; adding spinach or broccoli not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a lovely color and flavor!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Certainly! You can cook the rigatoni and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then combine them right before serving. Just store the pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if needed. Toss in the pasta and enjoy a quick and easy meal without all the fuss!
What can I serve with creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni?
This dish is so delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, consider serving it with a side salad for a fresh crunch! A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully. You could also pair it with some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce or roasted vegetables for a pop of color and added flavor. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is super easy! Just let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should be good for about 2 months.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop to maintain that creamy texture. Simply add the leftover rigatoni to a skillet over medium heat, along with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir it gently until heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Just remember, don’t overheat it, or you might lose some of that luscious creaminess!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe: 4 Ingredients
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful garlic butter chicken rigatoni dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 tablespoons 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 rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in cooked chicken and heat through.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in cooked rigatoni until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe
