Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken, savory garlic butter sauce, and plenty of cheese come together with rigatoni for a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Pour in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained rigatoni. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1.5 cups of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 48g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 45g
