Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe Delight

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a dish that dances on your taste buds, bringing together the creamy richness of garlic and the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. Imagine tender rigatoni noodles enveloped in a luscious sauce while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, making even the pickiest eaters salivate with anticipation. Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will have you dreaming of Italian villas and sun-soaked dinners. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday evening, and after a long week, you want something comforting yet impressive to serve at your dinner table. Enter Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni! This dish has been a family favorite for years, always evoking smiles and compliments from friends who just can’t get enough. Whether it’s a casual gathering or an intimate date night, this recipe will elevate any occasion to gourmet status.

I remember the first time I made Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni for my friends; their eyes widened in disbelief when they took their first bites—a moment I’ll cherish forever.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Using about 3-4 chicken breasts ensures ample serving for family or friends.
• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; fresh garlic elevates the dish’s aromatic profile significantly.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce; don’t skimp on quality here.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor; feel free to sprinkle more on top before serving.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté and brings out flavors in both chicken and garlic beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish at the end.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pan. Cook until browned on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side.

Add Garlic & Cream: Once chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and let it rest. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant—about 1 minute—then pour in heavy cream.

Melt in Parmesan Cheese: Stir grated Parmesan into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired; it should taste divine.

Combine Everything Together: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and add back to the skillet along with cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until well coated in that dreamy sauce.

Garnish & Serve!: Sprinkle fresh parsley over your creation for added pop! Serve immediately while warm, preferably alongside crusty bread—because who doesn’t love dipping bread into creamy goodness?

And there you have it! Your very own Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni masterpiece ready to impress everyone at your dinner table! Enjoy each delicious bite as you bask in culinary glory! For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then cook the rigatoni while you whip up the sauce. This sequence keeps everything fresh and hot, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Experimenting with seasonings can elevate your dish to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to keep it creamy and delicious.

An unforgettable moment was when my friends devoured this dish in minutes at a dinner party. Their compliments warmed my heart, making me realize just how comforting good food can be.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta and check all sauces for gluten-containing ingredients.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy, indulgent dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. With tender rigatoni noodles coated in a rich garlic sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, each bite transports you to a cozy dinner table filled with warmth and flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan and let rest.
3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (~1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and stir.
4. Add cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, return it to the skillet with cooked rigatoni, and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the dish or swap out chicken for shrimp for a delightful twist.