Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
A heartwarming dish featuring tender chicken in a buttery garlic sauce tossed with rigatoni pasta and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces; chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.
Starch/Pasta
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta Cook until al dente in salted boiling water; alternatives include penne or fusilli.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- to taste salt Enhances the flavors.
- to taste black pepper Use liberally; alternatives include garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Liquids/Dairy
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter Melt to create the sauce base.
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese For the best taste, use freshly grated.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic Mince finely and add near the end of cooking to prevent burning.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Drizzle at the end for added flavor.
- to taste fresh parsley Add before serving for garnish; basil can be used as an alternative.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring there's no pink in the center.
- When the chicken is nearly done, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being cautious to prevent burning.
- While the chicken is cooking, boil a pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni for approximately 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking
- Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet with chicken. Stir until melted, then incorporate the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat all pasta with the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle with more olive oil and top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for visual appeal.
Notes
For a flavor boost, add lemon juice before serving. Customize with vegetables or serve with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.