Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and straightforward simplicity? Look no further than this mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni recipe! This one-pan wonder has become a staple in my kitchen, effortlessly impressing my family and guests alike with its rich flavors and minimal cleanup.

What sets this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni apart is its ingenious technique of using the starch from the pasta to naturally thicken the velvety sauce without the need for flour or cornstarch. The result is a luscious and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re looking to add a meaty texture with sautéed mushrooms, a burst of color with bell peppers and spinach, or a hint of heat with red pepper flakes, this recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your preferences.

For a delightful dining experience, pair this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni with a crisp Pinot Grigio, a side of garlic bread for sauce-dipping perfection, and a light green salad to balance out the richness. With leftovers that taste even better the next day and the option for easy meal prep, this recipe is a true winner for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Get ready to savor every bite of this creamy, flavorful pasta dish!

Quick Benefits

• Effortless One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Naturally Thickened Sauce: Starch from the pasta creates a rich, creamy sauce without using flour or cornstarch.
• Versatile Dish: Easily customizable with variations like vegetarian options or additional ingredients for added nutrition and flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stays creamy when stored properly, reheats well, and flavors continue to develop, making it a tasty option for leftovers or packed lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Decadence: Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Starch Magic: Enjoy a naturally thickened sauce without the need for flour or cornstarch for a better flavor.
• Versatile Base: Easily customize with variations like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Store and reheat leftovers easily for delicious meals throughout the week, with flavors that develop even further overnight.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for portioning into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches that will impress your coworkers.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve with a refreshing green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete dining experience.
• Easy Substitutions: Feel free to swap pasta shapes, add red pepper flakes or lemon zest, and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter

Pro Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce. When adding the dairy, keep the heat medium-low to prevent it from breaking and maintain the creamy consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated lemon zest for a unique flavor twist that complements the dish beautifully.

While rigatoni works perfectly with this recipe due to its ability to hold the creamy sauce well, don’t hesitate to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Rigatoni’s ridges and large tubes make it a great choice, but the sauce will still coat other pasta types nicely. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to develop, and when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revitalize the sauce and maintain its creamy texture.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Step 1: Cook Rigatoni

Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water as directed on package. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Broth, Cream, and Parmesan

Add chicken broth to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, then toss in the rigatoni until coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve while hot.

Storage Tips

To store the garlic parmesan chicken rigatoni, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the dish on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed to revitalize the sauce, which may thicken when chilled. The flavors of the dish continue to develop overnight, potentially making it even more delicious the next day.

For meal prep purposes, portion the chicken rigatoni into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. This dish maintains its creamy texture surprisingly well when stored properly, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal throughout the week. Consider pairing the reheated pasta with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, consider substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a similar meaty texture. Adding bell peppers and spinach can enhance the nutritional value while maintaining the creamy flavor profile. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a lovely dimension to the dish.

If you don’t have rigatoni pasta on hand, penne or fettuccine can be suitable replacements. These pasta types also hold the creamy sauce well. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated lemon zest along with the fresh parsley for a unique touch to the flavor profile. Remember to use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.

When storing leftovers of this dish, ensure to refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, and consider adding a splash of broth or cream to revitalize the sauce if it thickens during storage. The flavors of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni continue to develop overnight, potentially making it even more delicious the next day.

Serving Suggestions

For a memorable presentation, serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Place them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This adds a delightful touch of elegance and ensures every bite is perfectly cheesy and flavorful.

To elevate the dish further, consider serving the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni alongside a refreshing arugula salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, while the acidic brightness of the dressing helps balance the richness of the dish. Additionally, a side of garlic breadsticks or garlic knots would be a wonderful accompaniment to soak up any remaining sauce and complete the Italian-inspired meal experience.

FAQs for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other pasta types like penne or fettuccine, but rigatoni holds the creamy sauce very well.

What are some variations I can try with this garlic parmesan chicken pasta?

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms. You can also add bell peppers, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled.

Why is freshly grated Parmesan recommended for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for a smoother sauce, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.

Conclusion

I hope this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. The creamy decadence and flavorful simplicity of this dish make it a winner for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own signature dish.

Remember to savor every bite of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a requested favorite among your family and friends. From its one-pan convenience to the rich flavors that develop effortlessly, this recipe is a true gem. So, gather your loved ones around the table, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy this delicious meal that brings comfort and satisfaction in every mouthful.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken rigatoni with a one-pan approach for a decadent and stress-free weeknight dinner that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Cook Rigatoni: Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water as directed on package. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare Garlic Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Broth, Cream, and Parmesan: Add chicken broth to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, then toss in the rigatoni until coated with the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve while hot.