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Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Rigatoni: Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly on both sides.
  5. Sear Chicken: Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  6. Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice into strips.
  7. 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.
  8. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine with garlic and butter. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  9. Incorporate Cream: Stir in heavy cream continuously until sauce thickens slightly and is smooth.
  10. Add Parmesan: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate into the creamy sauce.
  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to fully coat pasta in the sauce.
  12. Add Chicken: Place sliced chicken on top and toss everything together gently to combine.
  13. 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.