Save 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.
I first served this creamy garlic parmesan chicken rigatoni to my family on a chilly evening and it was an instant hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
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
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt pepper and Italian herbs.
- Step 3:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through 5 7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 4:
- In the same skillet reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic sauté until fragrant about 1 minute.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Step 6:
- Gradually add the milk and cream whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens 2 3 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained rigatoni and toss to coat adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pin it This recipe always brings my family together around the table, enjoying every creamy flavorful bite and sharing stories from their day.
Notes
For extra flavor add sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce. Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Colander Whisk Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk (dairy) Possible traces of egg (in some pasta) Always check labels for hidden allergens if you have sensitivities.
Pin it This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the cream sauce smooth?
Whisk the flour into butter to form a roux before slowly adding milk and cream. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and cook until thickened.
- → Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Yes, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti work well to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How should the chicken be prepared for best flavor?
Season bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then cook until golden and fully cooked for tender, flavorful bites.
- → Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare components in advance, but best to combine and serve immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.
- → What can be added to enhance the sauce?
Try sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach folded into the sauce for extra flavor and texture.