Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my beloved Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s packed with so much flavor that I just can’t get enough. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a creamy garlic butter sauce, perfectly coating those delicious rigatoni noodles. Every bite is a delightful mix of rich, buttery goodness and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. I whip this up whenever I want to impress friends or simply enjoy a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!

Ingredients List

8 oz rigatoni pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving if you’re feeling cheesy!)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness on top)

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Alright, let’s dive into making this creamy, dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni. It’s so straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar by the time it’s done! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Cooking the 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 in your 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente—meaning it should have a slight bite to it. Trust me, nobody wants mushy pasta! Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse; we want that lovely starch to help the sauce stick later.

Sautéing the Chicken

Now, grab a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in your diced chicken breasts. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want it to be juicy and tender, so keep an eye on it!

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Here comes the star of the show—the garlic butter sauce! Once your chicken is cooked, add in 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! The cream will thicken a bit and create that rich, luscious sauce we all dream about.

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until everything is well-coated and creamy. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that burst of color and freshness. And there you have it—your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is ready to be devoured!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and creamy sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Comfort Food at Its Best: With tender chicken and pasta enveloped in a rich sauce, it’s a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap the chicken for shrimp—this dish is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this creamy pasta dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some protein and carbs.
Impress Your Guests: Serve this dish at your next gathering, and watch as everyone marvels at your culinary skills. They’ll think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow cooks, let’s make sure your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your rigatoni while it cooks. Aim for al dente, as it’ll continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce. Nobody likes mushy pasta, right?
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken well can elevate the entire dish, and you can always adjust the seasoning later if needed.
Timing is Key: When adding the garlic, be sure not to let it brown too much—it can turn bitter! Keep the heat moderate and sauté just until fragrant.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality Parmesan will make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, use freshly grated cheese for that extra creaminess!
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the rigatoni, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s a great addition to the sauce if you need to thin it out later!
Let it Rest: After mixing everything together, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also freshens up the dish. You can also add a bit more Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness!

Follow these tips, and you’ll impress yourself (and everyone else) with a delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni that’s bursting with flavor!

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Now, let’s talk about how you can mix things up with this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni! I absolutely love how versatile this dish is, and you can easily swap in different ingredients to match your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Shrimp Delight: Swap out the chicken for shrimp! Just sauté the shrimp for a few minutes until they’re pink and opaque. They cook super fast, so watch them closely—nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
Veggie-Packed: Add a colorful mix of veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Toss them in after the chicken is cooked, just enough to soften them before adding the garlic and cream. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
Pesto Twist: For a fresh burst of flavor, stir in a couple of tablespoons of pesto along with the cream. It adds a lovely herby note that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce.
Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. It’ll give your dish a delightful spicy kick that balances beautifully with the rich creaminess.
Cheesy Variations: Mix up the cheese by adding a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooey, melty texture. You can even sprinkle some on top and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes for a crunchy, cheesy finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rigatoni if you’re avoiding gluten. I promise, it doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or creaminess, and you can still enjoy this comforting dish!

Feel free to get creative and adjust this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni to your taste! It’s all about making it your own and enjoying every delicious bite.

Nutritional Information Section

Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are a general guideline:

Calories: 550 per serving
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 25g

These nutritional values can help you plan your meals, but remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying your food! So go ahead, indulge in this lovely dish, and savor every creamy bite without any guilt!

FAQ Section

Got questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my best answers to help you whip up this dish with confidence.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re a bit more flavorful and tend to be juicier, so feel free to use them in your rigatoni for a delicious twist!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries at all! You can substitute with half-and-half, or if you want a lighter option, use whole milk with a bit of flour to thicken it up. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a little less creamy.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. This way, the rigatoni stays perfectly al dente, and you get that creamy sauce just right!

Is there a vegetarian option?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or even some hearty veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Just follow the same steps for cooking the veggies, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian version!

Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?
While you can freeze it, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the pasta. Cooked pasta can get mushy when thawed. Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What should I serve it with?
This dish is so filling that it can stand alone, but if you want to elevate your meal, serve it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for that extra touch of indulgence. Yum!

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips! I’m here to help you make the most delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni ever!

Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni: 5 Irresistible Comfort Recipes

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

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

Scale

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.

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

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