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The magic happens when you mix perfectly cooked pasta with juicy chicken and a creamy garlic butter sauce in this crowd-pleasing dish. The tube-shaped rigatoni grabs all that velvety sauce while the Parmesan kicks up the flavor to another level.
I've played around with this dish many times and found that getting the chicken seasoned right and not overcooking the pasta makes all the difference in how it turns out.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Look for ones with similar thickness so they cook evenly
- Rigatoni: These big tubes are perfect sauce catchers
- Heavy cream: Don't go low-fat if you want that silky texture
- Parmesan: Grate it yourself for the smoothest melt
- Garlic: Skip the jar and use real cloves
- Butter: Go with unsalted so you control the saltiness
- Olive oil: Extra virgin gives the best flavor
- Seasonings: An Italian mix brings everything together
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation
- Get a big pot of water boiling hard. Make it taste like the ocean with salt. Cook your rigatoni about 2 minutes less than what the box says. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of that starchy water.
- Chicken Seasoning
- Grab some paper towels and get that chicken completely dry. Sprinkle both sides with plenty of salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors stick.
- Chicken Cooking
- Get your pan really hot until the oil starts to shimmer. Drop in the chicken and don't touch it for 4-5 minutes. Flip it once. Make sure it hits 165°F inside.
- Sauce Development
- Use the same pan to melt your butter. Toss in the chopped garlic and keep stirring so it doesn't burn. Just cook until you can smell that amazing aroma.
- Sauce Building
- Pour in your broth and scrape up all those tasty bits from the bottom. Let it bubble for 2 minutes. Pour in the cream and keep stirring. Watch it thicken up a bit. Add Parmesan and whisk until it's all smooth.
- Final Assembly
- Put the chicken back in. Add your pasta and toss everything together. If it's too thick, splash in some of that saved pasta water.
- Temperature Check
- Make sure your sauce is hot enough (165°F) so it's safe to eat. Turn the heat up or down if needed.
- Final Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and some extra Parmesan. Get it to the table right away.
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I've learned the hard way that having everything chopped and ready before you start makes this dish come together without any stress.
Keeping It Fresh
- Keeps in the fridge for 3 days in a sealed container
- When reheating, add a little splash of cream
- If you're prepping ahead, keep the pasta and sauce apart
- This cream sauce doesn't do well in the freezer
You can tweak this dish all sorts of ways while still keeping that comfort food feel everyone loves.
Health Perks
- The combo of chicken and pasta helps build and maintain muscles
- Pasta gives you energy that lasts
- All that dairy means stronger bones
- The garlic helps boost your immune system
Family Experience
My mom always taught me to add the pasta water bit by bit until the sauce was just right. That starchy water makes everything so smooth.
Variations
- Spring: Throw in some green peas and fresh herbs
- Summer: Mix in halved cherry tomatoes
- Fall: Stir in some cooked butternut squash
- Winter: Add some roasted mushrooms for depth
Nutritional Profile
- Has a good balance of protein and carbs
- Gives you plenty of B vitamins
- Loaded with calcium and vitamin D
- Contains garlic that's good for your heart
Serving Suggestions
- Add a light green salad on the side
- Don't forget some crusty garlic bread
- Roasted veggies make a perfect side
- Sprinkle with some freshly chopped herbs
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What I love most about this dish is how flexible it is. You can whip it up for a Tuesday night dinner or serve it when company comes over.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out rigatoni for another shape?
- Absolutely, feel free to substitute with penne or fettuccine for equally great results.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
- Just add some extra Parmesan or an additional splash of cream to enhance the consistency.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
- It’s best fresh, but if needed, reheat softly with a bit of cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- → What about gluten-free options?
- Yes, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free version — everything else is naturally gluten-free.
- → What pairs well with this meal?
- Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm garlic bread for a balanced and satisfying meal.