If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and indulgently flavorful, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is going to steal your heart. This delightful combination of tender, seasoned chicken paired with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce coats perfectly al dente rigatoni, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is elegant. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe balances creamy richness with fresh herbs, making every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is all in its simple, quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken breasts to the creamy Parmesan sauce that clings flawlessly to the pasta, creating a symphony of flavors and textures you’ll adore.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy for the perfect protein base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for a golden sear that locks in chicken’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic depth that defines the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs elevating the chicken’s taste.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all flavors naturally.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory richness to the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates that lush, silky texture in the sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): The star ingredient for creaminess and a sharp, nutty flavor.
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta: Its ridges hold the sauce beautifully with every bite.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: For sautéing garlic and building a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta until just al dente according to the package instructions – this texture lets the pasta soak up that rich sauce perfectly without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the meat is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting step keeps the chicken juicy and tender for your final dish.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer and reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, deepening the flavors before adding the heavy cream. Stir constantly as you mix in the cream, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Combine
Now for the heart of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe – sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky, dreamy sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni back to the skillet and toss everything together to coat each piece of pasta in that rich, garlicky goodness. Finally, nestle the sliced chicken strips on top and give everything another gentle toss to combine flavors fully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your creation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of vibrant color and herbal freshness. Serve the dish warm – it’s irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying every time.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, but you could also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon zest can bring brightness and balance the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which add a fresh crunch and complement the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes a great accompaniment to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls for a cozy feel, or plate it elegantly on a large platter garnished with parsley sprigs. For a festive touch, add edible flowers or thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes to brighten each serving visually and tastefully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the sauce creamy.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish can be frozen. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing with fresh parsley garnish; add that fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating brings back its luscious texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works perfectly because of its shape and ridges that hold the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the rigatoni for a gluten-free pasta variety. Be sure to check the chicken broth and seasoning blends for gluten as well to keep the recipe completely gluten-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier and slightly more flavorful alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make the sauce less rich?
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute with half-and-half or milk. This will give a creamy texture but with less richness, perfect if you prefer a lighter meal.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Cook and slice the chicken, and prepare the pasta a few hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately, then assemble the sauce and combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe enough if you love a rich yet balanced dish that feels special but comes together quickly. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress and satisfy, perfect for sharing with family and friends. So grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a comforting, flavorful meal tonight—you won’t regret it!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and tossed with rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. The dish is infused with garlic and Italian herbs, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Pasta
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly, then slice into strips.
- Prepare sauce base: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, then add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta and chicken: Add cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Place sliced chicken on top and toss again to combine all ingredients fully.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with garlic and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente provides the best bite and holds the sauce well.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
