Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine twirling a forkful of rigatoni around the juicy pieces of chicken while the aroma of garlic fills the air, making your stomach growl in anticipation. Pasta with Mushrooms.
This dish takes me back to my college days when I was trying to impress my friends with my culinary skills or lack thereof. A simple recipe turned into a dinner party favorite! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, promising an explosion of flavor that will have everyone begging for seconds. Crispy Orange Chicken
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation ensures you can whip up this meal in under 30 minutes without breaking a sweat.
- Its savory flavor profile, featuring rich garlic and creamy parmesan, will make your taste buds dance.
- The visual appeal of golden-brown chicken atop vibrant rigatoni will impress any dinner guest.
- This dish’s versatility means it pairs well with various sides or can stand alone as a satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal but adjust based on your crowd size and appetite.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; the more you use, the better!
- Rigatoni Pasta: Opt for high-quality pasta; it holds the sauce beautifully and adds texture.
- Heavy Cream: For that creamy sauce that coats every bite; no substitutes here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is best; it melts like a dream and enhances flavor.
- Olive Oil: This will help sauté the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip this step!
For the Sauce:
- Dried Oregano: Adds aromatic flavors; feel free to sprinkle more if you’re an herb lover.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water this liquid gold will help create your sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about six minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), lower the heat slightly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant about one minute or until your kitchen smells like an Italian chef just walked in! Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with cooked rigatoni. Add grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and if needed, some reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste your creation! Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper. You want this dish bursting with flavor!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your stunning Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni onto plates or into bowls. Top with additional parmesan cheese (because why not?) and fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe.
Finally, gather around the table because it’s time to dig in! Enjoy this hearty meal that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
You Must Know
- This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
- With its creamy sauce and savory chicken, it transforms any dinner into a feast.
- Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Then, cook the rigatoni in salted water while you prepare the garlic parmesan sauce in the same pan for maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or feta to personalize your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Garlic Shrimp recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked chicken, let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Always salt your pasta water generously for added flavor.
- Lastly, don’t skip the fresh herbs; they enhance aroma and taste beautifully!
Sometimes I whip up this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni when friends come over, and they can’t help but ask for seconds it’s such a crowd-pleaser!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, gather boneless chicken breasts, rigatoni pasta, garlic, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Olive Garden Salad You’ll also need olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning. This combination creates a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
Preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You will spend approximately 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. This quick recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
Can I customize Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
Absolutely! You can customize Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni to suit your taste. Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative while maintaining the rich flavors.
Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is excellent for meal prep. Prepare a large batch and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It lasts up to four days, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Conclusion for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni:
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy garlic sauce and hearty rigatoni pasta. It’s quick to prepare and offers versatility through various ingredient options. Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for busy days, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich flavors of this pasta dish tonight!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy, savory dish that combines tender chicken with al dente rigatoni pasta, enveloped in a rich garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this meal is quick to prepare and promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With every bite, you’ll experience an explosion of flavor from fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Combine Everything: Add sliced chicken back into the skillet along with cooked rigatoni, grated Parmesan, oregano, and reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Stir until well combined.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. - You can substitute chicken with shrimp or try different cheeses such as mozzarella or feta. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.
