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.