Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni – a dish that dances on your taste buds and wraps you in a warm, cheesy embrace. Picture this: tender rigatoni swimming in a creamy garlic sauce, with just the right amount of parmesan to make your heart sing and your waistline worry just a little. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everyone question if they should wait for dinner or dive face-first into the pot. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.

This delightful pasta is perfect for cozy family dinners, spontaneous gatherings, or just when you need some comfort food after a long day. You know those days when the world feels heavy? This dish promises to lift your spirits and fill your belly with happiness.

I remember one rainy evening when this recipe saved the day at my house. My kids were sulking about being stuck indoors, but one whiff of this dish had them racing to the kitchen like it was Santa coming down the chimney!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: Opt for large tubes of rigatoni; their shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how hungry everyone is!
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; fresh garlic gives a robust flavor that jarred versions just can’t match.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness; don’t skimp here—go for full-fat cream for the best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese; pre-grated varieties lose flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds depth and enhances flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste as you go to achieve perfection.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish; adds freshness and a pop of color to your plate.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Sauté until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Add Garlic and Cream: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest before slicing. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly.

Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add grated parmesan cheese into the cream mixture while stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Combine Everything Together: Add cooked rigatoni back into the skillet along with sliced chicken. Toss everything together until well coated in that luscious garlic parmesan sauce.

Serve Up Some Happiness: Plate your creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy while it’s warm—and don’t forget to save some for leftovers (if there are any)!

This recipe will have you dreaming about pasta even in your sleep! Plus, it’s so comforting that you’ll want to whip it up again at every family gathering or cozy evening at home.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden, then cook the rigatoni while making the sauce. This order keeps everything warm and maximizes flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Experimenting can yield delightful surprises in flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Cooking this dish always brings back memories of my sister’s dinner parties, where friends raved about it, and I secretly panicked about running out of food!

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?

You can easily use shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables like mushrooms.

How can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni gluten-free?

Simply replace regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.

Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients earlier but cook it fresh for best results just before serving.

Print

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a deliciously creamy pasta dish that combines tender rigatoni with savory chicken, roasted garlic, and rich parmesan cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, delivering a mouthwatering experience with each bite. With its warm aroma and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add grated parmesan cheese into the cream mixture while stirring until melted and smooth; adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Add cooked rigatoni back to the skillet along with sliced chicken, tossing until well coated in sauce.
6. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg