Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a simple yet indulgent pasta dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then combined with rigatoni pasta tossed in a garlicky, buttery Parmesan sauce. The reserved pasta water helps create a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe is sure to satisfy any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. Pat them dry to ensure good browning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and stir to combine and create a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice or chop the seared chicken breasts and add them to the skillet with the pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well coated and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Chicken can be substituted with thighs for a juicier option.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
