What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A rich homemade parmesan sauce infused with garlic butter over tender chicken and rigatonini pasta is a great start, especially when it’s quick and easy to make at home. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to try soon.

creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatonini pasta with parmesan sauce on top

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of creamy garlic butter, the tender bite of chicken, and the comforting warmth of rigatonini pasta, all topped with a decadent parmesan sauce. This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatonini pasta with parmesan sauce on top is not just a meal, it’s an experience. It’s a testament to how everyday ingredients can come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests in awe. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and delicious, proving that culinary creativity doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic butter, chicken, and parmesan sauce offers a well-balanced flavor profile that’s easy to achieve with commonly found ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this dish are straightforward and require minimal cooking expertise, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and taste of the dish are impressive, making it suitable for both family dinners and dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of this recipe includes chicken breasts, rigatonini pasta, garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese. These ingredients are the backbone of the dish, providing protein, carbohydrates, and a rich, creamy sauce. For the garlic butter, you’ll need softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The parmesan sauce is made with grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of nutmeg. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using different types of pasta or swapping chicken with shrimp for a seafood version. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures that make this dish so appealing.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely, measure out the pasta and chicken, and grate the parmesan cheese. This step ensures you’re well-organized and ready to move through the recipe efficiently.
2. Step 2: Cook the rigatonini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, соль, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt a couple of tablespoons of the garlic butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they’re browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. In the same skillet, add more garlic butter if necessary, then add sliced bell peppers or other desired vegetables and sauté until they’re tender.
4. Step 4: To make the parmesan sauce, combine heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese in a saucepan. Heat over low heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Add a pinch of nutmeg to taste. To assemble the dish, place cooked rigatonini pasta on a plate, slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta, then spoon the parmesan sauce over the chicken. Finish with additional grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for freshness and color.

Handy Tips

• For a richer parmesan sauce, use high-quality parmesan cheese and don’t overheat the sauce, as it can quickly become too thick.
• Consider adding some dried or fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and preparing the parmesan sauce. For the chicken, medium heat is ideal for achieving a nice brown without burning the garlic butter. When making the parmesan sauce, low heat is essential to prevent the cream from boiling and the cheese from separating. Constant whisking also helps in achieving a smooth sauce. For doneness, the chicken should feel firm to the touch and reach the aforementioned internal temperature, while the pasta should have a slight bite, or chew, indicating it’s al dente.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the slight bite of the al dente pasta and any additional crunchy elements you might choose to add, such as toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top. The key to achieving the perfect texture is not to overcook the pasta and to add crunchy elements just before serving, so they retain their crunchiness.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra creamy parmesan sauce, add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the butter before whisking in the cream and cheese, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
• Use the garlic butter as a finishing oil for the pasta by tossing cooked pasta in it before plating for an added depth of flavor.
• Keep leftover parmesan sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently, whisking constantly, when needed.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken and pasta can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven until warmed through, and the pasta can be reheated with a bit of the parmesan sauce or garlic butter to refresh it.
• Consider freezing individual portions of cooked chicken and pasta for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the components separately to preserve texture and flavor.
• The parmesan sauce can also be frozen but is best used fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to gift this dish, consider packaging the components separately for the recipient to assemble. Use decorative jars for the parmesan sauce and garlic butter, and wrap the cooked chicken and pasta in microwave-safe containers. Include a card with reheating instructions and suggestions for additional toppings or sides. For a more rustic presentation, use wooden crates or baskets lined with parchment paper or a checkered tablecloth to add a cozy, homemade touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood version, or use different types of cheese or pasta to change up the flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the parmesan sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a bit more heavy cream. If the pasta is overcooked, try adding a bit of the garlic butter to revive it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can be used as a substitute in the parmesan sauce.
• Over/undercooking signs: Check the chicken for doneness by ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and is firm to the touch. Pasta should have a slight bite to it, and the sauce should be smooth and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken, pasta, and parmesan sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat gently when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The rigatonini pasta typically contains gluten, but you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. Also, ensure the chicken and parmesan sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, all ingredients can be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet and saucepan to accommodate the increased quantities.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatonini pasta with parmesan sauce on top is a true showstopper that’s deceptively easy to make. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy, making it perfect for any occasion.