Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Quick Overview

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a delightful meal that combines savory flavors and comforting textures. This dish features succulent chicken pieces coated in rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with al dente rigatoni pasta. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe makes for an irresistible dinner option. Whether you are cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken Breast

For this recipe, you will need 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total). Chicken breast is tender and absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for our garlic butter sauce.

Rigatoni Pasta

Use 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta. This tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully and adds a delightful chewiness to each bite.

Unsalted Butter

You will need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This ingredient is essential for creating the rich garlic flavor without adding extra salt.

Fresh Garlic

Prepare 6 cloves of fresh garlic. Minced finely, garlic adds an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Heavy Cream

Incorporate 1 cup of heavy cream into the sauce. This creamy element balances the richness of the butter and creates a luscious texture.

Parmesan Cheese

Grate ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste when sprinkled on top before serving.

Fresh Parsley

Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for garnish. It provides a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish beautifully.

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning is essential; use salt and black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings enhance all other flavors in the dish without overpowering them.

Step By Step Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add your rigatoni pasta once it reaches a rolling boil. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside while reserving about half a cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, pat dry the chicken breasts using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This seasoning step ensures that each bite of chicken is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add an additional 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned; this step prevents bitterness from overcooked garlic.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream

Pour in heavy cream into the skillet with sautéed garlic while stirring continuously to combine everything well. Bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat while scraping any browned bits stuck to the pan using a wooden spoon for added flavor.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until completely melted into your creamy sauce mixture. If it appears too thick at this point, add some reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency while mixing thoroughly.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Slice your cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces before returning them back to the skillet along with drained rigatoni pasta now coated evenly in that rich creamy sauce! Toss gently so every piece gets its fair share!

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Finally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your plated dish as garnish! Serve hot immediately after preparation while enjoying every bite infused with buttery goodness!

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Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Tip

Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan immediately after cooking while it’s still warm! Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for balance; crusty bread can complement it nicely too!

Storing Tip

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing flavor quality! When reheating on low heat in either microwave or stovetop method allows you to keep its creamy texture intact without drying out!

This comprehensive guide ensures you create an unforgettable meal full of garlicky goodness that satisfies cravings! Enjoy cooking this flavorful dish today!

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Tips and tricks

Using high-quality ingredients can significantly improve your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan. Opt for organic chicken breasts and real Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated options, which often contain additives that affect taste and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and offers a rich flavor that elevates the dish.

When preparing garlic butter, consider infusing it with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. Simply sauté these herbs in the butter before adding garlic to create a more complex flavor profile. This simple addition makes a remarkable difference in how your dish tastes.

For perfect rigatoni, remember to reserve some pasta water before draining it. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together beautifully. By adding a splash of this reserved water when mixing everything, you achieve a creamy texture that clings perfectly to your rigatoni.

Lastly, consider letting the chicken rest after cooking it. This step allows juices to redistribute within the meat, making each bite tender and juicy. Cutting into the chicken too soon may result in dry pieces, so patience pays off here.

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Summary

In summary, achieving delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan requires attention to detail regarding seasoning, timing, and ingredient quality. Avoid common pitfalls by ensuring proper cooking techniques are used throughout preparation while embracing helpful tips for enhancing flavor profiles. With thoughtful suggestions paired with these guidelines, you’re sure to impress everyone at your table!