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Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner

Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Stir occasionally.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside in a large bowl.
  4. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  5. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  8. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Add butter and let it melt, stirring to combine with the garlic.
  10. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
  11. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  12. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  13. Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  14. Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
  15. Fold in sliced chicken and halved cherry tomatoes. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  16. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  17. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  18. Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling more Parmesan on top.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time; just reheat gently before serving.