Description
Garlic butter chicken rigatoni delight brings Italian pasta magic to weeknight dinners. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that satisfies your comfort cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 g) chicken fillets, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 3 tbsps (45 g) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook rigatoni to al dente perfection, drain, and set aside for later incorporation.
- Chicken Searing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then season and cook chicken until golden and thoroughly done, creating a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Aromatic Foundation: Remove chicken, then quickly sauté minced garlic in the same skillet, releasing its intense fragrance without scorching.
- Flavor Intensification: Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up concentrated flavor deposits and allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate its essence.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk heavy cream and Parmesan into the skillet, transforming the liquid into a velvety, luxurious sauce with smooth, glossy consistency.
- Harmonious Combination: Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy sauce, then gently fold in rigatoni to ensure uniform sauce distribution.
- Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a bright, herbaceous note and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and invitingly creamy.
Notes
- Boost Pasta Texture: Cook rigatoni just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain perfect pasta bite.
- Maximize Flavor Depth: Brown chicken thoroughly to create a rich golden crust, which locks in juices and develops complex taste layers.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cream and Parmesan slowly and consistently to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
- Herb Enhancement: Add fresh parsley right before serving to preserve its bright color and vibrant flavor profile, giving the dish a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 708
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg