If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then the Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. This dish brilliantly marries tender, golden-brown chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to every rigatoni noodle. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up on a busy weeknight or whenever you need a flavorful pick-me-up. Plus, the combination of fresh herbs and creamy textures makes this recipe feel both indulgent and homemade in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe plays a starring role, creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple, accessible ingredients come together to make a dish that’s both rich and inviting.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, these form the heart of the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant depth that elevates every bite.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with savory notes.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings essential to bringing out the natural flavors.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Enriches the sauce with savory warmth and moisture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Provides a silky, smooth texture that makes the sauce dreamy.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds creamy, nutty flavor that ties the sauce together beautifully.
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta: Perfect for holding the creamy sauce in its chunky tubes.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Used for sautéing garlic and creating a luscious sauce base.
- Fresh parsley: For a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the rigatoni until just al dente ensures it will have the perfect bite and hold onto the sauce beautifully. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside so it’s ready when your sauce is finished.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While that heats, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Searing the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side creates a flavorful, golden crust and locks in moisture, making every slice juicy and tender.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting time is crucial—it keeps the juices locked in so that every bite is as succulent as possible.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing just long enough to release that incredible aroma—about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the flavors and preparing a savory base for the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese next, allowing it to melt slowly into a luscious, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet, tossing it thoroughly in the sauce to coat each piece. Nestle the sliced chicken on top and toss gently again so every bite has that perfect balance of creamy sauce and juicy chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe. It adds a pop of green color and a hint of freshness that balances out the rich cream and cheese. For an extra touch, a light dusting of more Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish even further.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty dish alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to contrast the creamy pasta and tender chicken. Simple garlic bread or a warm baguette is always welcome for sopping up every bit of that silky sauce. These sides keep the meal wonderfully balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, plate the rigatoni in a shallow bowl, arrange the sliced chicken elegantly on top, and sprinkle with parsley. Drizzle a little extra sauce around the edges to create a restaurant-style look. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the skillet so everyone can help themselves – it’s all about sharing comfort and great food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully after a day or two, making for quick and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but to maintain the best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken if possible. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta and chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but it’s best covered and stirred occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle would also be delicious and still provide plenty of surface for that creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is fantastic for meal prep since it stores well and reheats beautifully. Just keep in mind to store components separately if freezing for the best quality.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the flavor will be different. The creamy, cheesy texture is a signature to this recipe but adaptations are possible for special diets.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness or pound them slightly before cooking. This helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy without drying out.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes mix wonderfully into the creamy sauce and boost the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it’s a comforting, impressive meal that comes together with ease. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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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-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection with a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente rigatoni pasta. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pasta
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Rigatoni: Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice into strips.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine with garlic and butter. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in heavy cream continuously until sauce thickens slightly and is smooth.
- Add Parmesan: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate into the creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to fully coat pasta in the sauce.
- Add Chicken: Place sliced chicken on top and toss everything together gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve warm for optimal flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken breasts with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best taste and smoother sauce texture.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen consistency.
- Substitute rigatoni with other tube-shaped pasta such as penne or ziti if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
