Save Pin A comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich garlic&Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. Ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
The first time I made this creamy chicken rigatoni, my whole family asked for seconds. It&s now a regular comfort meal in our home, especially when everyone craves something cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) rigatoni
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g / 12 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (80 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional), salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5, 7 minutes). Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make garlic butter:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare roux:
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add dairy:
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season sauce:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens (2, 3 minutes).
- Combine:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained rigatoni and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save Pin Sharing this dish with my loved ones around the dinner table always brings joy and warmth. It&s a meal we look forward to on chilly evenings.
Substitutions & Variations
You can swap chicken for turkey or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Try adding fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
Save Pin Enjoy this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni hot, straight from the skillet for maximum comfort and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the sauce from lumping?
Whisk the flour and butter mixture thoroughly, then add milk and cream gradually while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, pasta like penne or fusilli can be substituted to hold the creamy sauce well.
- → How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach into the sauce for extra depth and nutrition.
- → What’s the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
Cook bite-sized chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden and completely cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- → How do I adjust the sauce thickness?
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing pasta to reach desired sauce consistency.