Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a dish that dances on your taste buds, combining tender pasta with the rich flavors of garlic and savory parmesan. Imagine sinking your fork into creamy, cheesy goodness that envelops every bite in warmth and comfort.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a nostalgic hug from your childhood kitchen, where laughter mingled with the aroma of garlic simmering away. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a last-minute gathering with friends, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni brings everyone together around the table. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner ideas recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; they devoured it and declared me a culinary genius for the evening.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose larger tubes to hold onto the creamy sauce better; al dente is best.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; nothing beats freshly minced garlic in this dish.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious texture; don’t skimp on quality here.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal; pre-grated varieties don’t melt as beautifully.
• Butter: A little fat goes a long way in enhancing flavors and adding richness to the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds vibrant color and freshness to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Season generously, but taste as you go to strike the perfect balance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in rigatoni once it’s boiling. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add diced chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

Add Garlic and Cream: Once chicken is cooked through, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant before pouring in heavy cream.

Melt that Cheese!: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. The sauce should be luxuriously creamy by now.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked rigatoni into the skillet with chicken and sauce. Stir well to coat each piece of pasta evenly with that heavenly mixture.

Add Parsley and Serve!: Finally, fold in chopped parsley for color and freshness before serving hot. Garnish with extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful; this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni makes it feel like an effortless symphony of flavors right at home! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family or friends around your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to toss together seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can even experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a delightful twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream to restore its delicious creaminess.

The first time I made Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, my friends thought I had secretly trained in Italy! Their compliments felt like warm hugs, turning a simple dish into a cherished memory.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat rigatoni instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat adds fiber and keeps your meal hearty and healthy.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick that’s sure to please!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store portions separately and reheat as needed.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan. This comforting meal is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With tender rigatoni enveloped in a luxurious sauce, every bite evokes nostalgia and warmth, transforming any dinner into a delightful experience.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir.
4. Incorporate freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the creamy mixture until well coated.
6. Fold in chopped parsley before serving hot. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg