Description
Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni Pasta is a rich and satisfying dinner featuring golden, tender chicken bites tossed in garlicky butter and served over creamy Parmesan rigatoni — a restaurant-quality meal made in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, toss in the garlic butter, and cook for another minute. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 3 cloves of garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan rigatoni topped with garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- For added depth, deglaze the chicken pan with a splash of white wine before adding butter.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American