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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic butter sauce, combined with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This quick and satisfying meal offers bold flavors with a creamy texture, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
  4. Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to a smooth, silky consistency.
  5. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
  • Do not overcook the garlic; sauté only until fragrant for a sweet, mellow flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use unsalted, high-quality butter for a cleaner, richer taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, rigatoni pasta, garlic butter sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/creamy-garlic-butter-chicken-and-rigatoni/