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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni: The Best Weeknight Comfort

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting weeknight dinner that's simple, satisfying, and perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Rigatoni Ideal for catching the sauce; can substitute with penne, ziti, or fusilli.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs Choose thighs for richness or breasts for tenderness.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the sauce.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic for flavor.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can replace with half-and-half or milk and cream cheese.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Opt for dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
  • to taste Salt For seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper For seasoning.
For the Garnish (optional)
  • ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and sear for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board to rest.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream while stirring, allowing to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  5. Return sliced chicken and drained rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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