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Let me share my favorite pasta recipe that saved countless dinner times at my house. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken chunks with perfectly cooked pasta in that luxurious garlic sauce makes everyone at my table happy. Best part? It's ready in just 25 minutes.
Pure Comfort in Every Bite
The magic happens when that velvety butter garlic sauce coats every piece of pasta. My kids go crazy for the way the sauce gets trapped inside the rigatoni tubes making every bite absolutely perfect. It's become my go to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Cut them into nice bite sized pieces they cook faster this way.
- Butter: Don't skimp here it makes everything better.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves are a must.
- Chicken Broth: This gives our sauce amazing flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Get the good stuff and grate it yourself.
- Rigatoni Pasta: Those tubes hold the sauce perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning: My secret for extra flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to your taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Makes everything look pretty.
Let's Get Cooking
- Start With Pasta:
- Get your rigatoni cooking in salty water it'll be ready when we need it.
- Cook The Chicken:
- Melt some butter in your biggest skillet season those chicken pieces well and cook until golden.
- Time For Garlic:
- Add more butter and let that garlic get fragrant but not brown.
- Make It Saucy:
- Pour in broth let it bubble then add cream and cheese until it's perfectly smooth.
- Bring It Together:
- Toss in your chicken and pasta let everything get coated in that amazing sauce.
- Final Touch:
- Sprinkle with parsley and dinner is served.
My Pasta Secrets
Always grate your Parmesan fresh the flavor is so much better. Keep your pasta just a bit firm it'll keep cooking in the sauce. Watch that garlic carefully burnt garlic ruins everything. Save some pasta water it's like magic for fixing sauce that gets too thick.
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Why This Recipe Works
This pasta dish has everything you want rich creamy sauce tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It's my solution for those nights when I need something special but don't have time for complicated recipes. Plus it all comes together in one pan which means easier cleanup.
Switch It Up
- Go Veggie: Swap chicken for some gorgeous sautéed mushrooms.
- Add Some Heat: Red pepper flakes make it perfectly spicy.
- Cheese Love: Try mixing your Parmesan with Romano cheese.
- Try New Protein: Shrimp is amazing in this too.
Make It a Meal
We love this with warm garlic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. A simple Caesar salad on the side makes it perfect. Pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine or some sparkling water with lemon and enjoy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
- Yes, you can substitute penne, fettuccine, or any medium pasta shape. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions for al dente texture.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
- Keep heat at medium-low when adding cream and cheese. Stir constantly and avoid boiling the sauce after adding dairy ingredients.
- → Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
- Fresh-grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- Half-and-half works but makes a thinner sauce. For best results, stick with heavy cream as it creates the richest, most stable sauce.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk as the pasta will absorb sauce while storing.