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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (~1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and stir.
- Add cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, return it to the skillet with cooked rigatoni, and toss everything together until well coated.
- 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.