Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan yet, you’re in for a treat! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s such a simple recipe, yet it feels fancy enough for a special dinner. The way the creamy parmesan melts into the buttery garlic sauce, coating each piece of chicken and rigatoni, is just heavenly. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Trust me, this meal will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Let’s gather our star players for this delicious dish! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan:
- 2 chicken breasts – I prefer boneless, skinless for ease, but feel free to use thighs for extra flavor!
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta – This shape holds the sauce beautifully, but you can substitute with any pasta you love.
- 4 tbsp butter – Unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that amazing flavor, but you can adjust the amount based on your love for garlic!
- 1 cup grated parmesan – Freshly grated is always my go-to for the best melt and taste!
- Salt to taste – I like to add this while cooking the chicken for more flavor.
- Pepper to taste – A dash of freshly cracked pepper adds a nice kick!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – This adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go, because once you start cooking, it all comes together quickly and deliciously!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Now, let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan! Trust me, it’s simpler than you think, and the end result is absolutely worth it.
Cooking the Rigatoni
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like it’s ready for a dive, add your 8 oz of rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite! Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while we work on the rest.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As it melts, you’ll notice that delicious buttery aroma wafting through the air! Once it’s completely melted, toss in those 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown—burnt garlic is no good! Your kitchen will smell divine at this point!
Cooking the Chicken
Next, it’s time for the chicken! Season your 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into juicy pieces.
Combining Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! In that same skillet with the residual garlic butter, add the drained rigatoni and toss it around to get it coated in that luscious sauce. Then, mix in your sliced chicken and a cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully into the mix, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce. If it looks a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Give everything a good stir, garnish with fresh parsley, and voilà! Your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan is ready to be served!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bursting with flavor! The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a rich sauce that elevates each bite.
- Super easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in about 30 minutes.
- Comfort food at its finest! This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for any night of the week.
- Nutritionally balanced! With chicken for protein and pasta for carbs, it’s a filling dish that won’t weigh you down.
- Customizable to your taste! Feel free to add veggies or switch up the protein to suit your preferences.
- Great for leftovers! This dish keeps well, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Tips for Success with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Alright, let’s make sure your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to elevate your dish:
- Don’t rush the garlic: When sautéing the garlic, keep an eye on it! You want it fragrant and slightly golden, but not brown. Burnt garlic can easily ruin that lovely flavor.
- Perfectly cooked chicken: To ensure your chicken is juicy, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making every bite tender.
- Reserve pasta water: Always save that cup of pasta water! It’s a magical ingredient that can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it’s too thick.
- Experiment with cheese: While parmesan is a classic, don’t be afraid to mix in some pecorino or even a bit of mozzarella for a different flavor profile!
- Add veggies: If you want to boost the nutrition, throw in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and flavor!
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish. Don’t skimp on it!
With these tips in hand, I’m confident you’ll make a dish that everyone will rave about. Enjoy cooking, and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delicious garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan packs a satisfying punch without making you feel weighed down. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind these values are approximations, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up. It’s a hearty, balanced meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
FAQ About Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Got questions about garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my best answers:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic for holding onto that buttery garlic sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
What if I’m not a fan of garlic?
No worries! You can scale back the garlic or switch it out for shallots or onions for a milder flavor. It’ll still be delicious, I promise!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh to keep it from getting mushy. You can mix everything together just before serving!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color. It’s a great way to make this meal even more wholesome!
Hopefully, these answers help clear up any questions you might have. Enjoy making your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan! It’s going to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan, you might have some tasty leftovers, and that’s awesome! To store them properly, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, so you can savor those delicious flavors again!
When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is my favorite method. Just add the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, and voilà! If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just cover it loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan, I love to round out the meal with a few delicious sides that complement the rich flavors perfectly! First off, a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and a burst of freshness. Think crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and maybe even some sliced cucumber—yum!
If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, garlic bread is always a winning choice. The buttery, garlicky bread pairs beautifully with the dish and makes for perfect sopping up that luscious sauce! And don’t forget about a simple vegetable side, like sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus, to add some color and nutrients to your plate. With these sides, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a great side dish to pair with this meal for extra flavor!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory dish featuring chicken, rigatoni pasta, garlic, and rich butter sauce topped with parmesan.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and slice it.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss in garlic butter.
- Mix in sliced chicken and parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, rigatoni, parmesan, Italian cuisine, chicken recipe
