Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Here’s a recipe for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce—a decadent, flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that perfectly coats the rigatoni. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to satisfy any craving!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• Salt for the pasta water

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 10–12 minutes).
3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.
2. Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it creamier.
3. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the pasta absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Divide the creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni among plates.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Add Veggies: For extra color and flavor, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic in Step 3.
• Chicken Variation: If you prefer a different protein, feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or even a vegetarian option like tofu.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Leftovers: This dish makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently over low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to swap the rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan provides a rich, nutty flavor, you can try substituting with Pecorino Romano or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamier texture.

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and then combine with the pasta right before serving. Just be sure to reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cream.

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of comforting flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!