Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a rich and comforting one-pan dish combining tender chicken breasts and al dente rigatoni pasta in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering silky, garlicky, buttery flavors with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, uncooked
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cooking Oils & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Stir frequently to avoid burning and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, infusing the butter with aroma.
- Add broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Once simmering, add the heavy cream and stir well to create a smooth, velvety sauce base.
- Cook the rigatoni: Add the uncooked rigatoni directly into the creamy sauce, stirring to submerge the pasta. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rigatoni is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Combine chicken and cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix with the rigatoni. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt into the sauce for added savory depth.
- Final touch and garnish: Stir everything once more, then remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add color and fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicier meat.
- Don’t rush the browning process to achieve a golden crust that adds flavor and texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness by reducing cream or simmering longer if desired.
- Stir regularly while cooking pasta to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic over pre-minced for the best flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, rigatoni pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken dinner