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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta Cook until al dente
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced Cook until golden brown
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Divided into two 1/4 cup portions
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Watch for over-browning
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half and half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper Use for seasoning
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped Adds freshness

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 11-13 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides and no longer pink in the center, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
Final Steps
  1. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  3. Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the sauce, gently tossing to combine until fully coated and warmed through.
  4. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using half and half instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile. Ensure your pasta is cooking while you prepare your sauce to save on time. Be cautious with the garlic; too much browning can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.