Description
Indulge in this decadent, creamy pasta dish that pairs tender, pan-seared chicken with ridges of satisfying rigatoni. This hearty meal provides a perfect balance of savory garlic, rich butter, and nutty Parmesan cheese in every bite. It is the quintessential comfort food experience, designed to bring high-quality, restaurant-style flavor to your busy weeknights in under thirty minutes.
Ingredients
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Salt for pasta water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through; remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and return the chicken to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing until well-coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure you use freshly grated Parmesan to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy due to anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta water to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Chicken Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg