Description

A comforting creamy pasta dish made with golden seared chicken, tender rigatoni, and a garlic parmesan sauce that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for any weeknight.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

12 oz rigatoni pasta

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon Italian herbs (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breast into cubes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In a large pot, cook rigatoni pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest.

4. Reduce skillet heat to medium, add butter, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).

5. Add heavy cream and ¾ cup parmesan to the garlic butter. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Add chicken and pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

7. Finish with remaining parmesan and parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, melt-in sauce—pre-grated tends to clump.

For extra richness, add a small pat of butter when tossing everything together.

Red pepper flakes can be added during garlic sauté for a spicy kick.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 610
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 620
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 17
Unsaturated Fat: 13
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 47
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 130

Keywords: Garlic Chicken Pasta, Creamy Rigatoni, Parmesan Chicken Pasta