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I gotta tell you about my go-to pasta dish that's rescued so many dinners at my place. This Buttery Garlic Chicken with Rigatoni swimming in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is total comfort food heaven. When you mix those juicy chicken pieces with perfectly done pasta in that rich garlic sauce, everyone leaves the table satisfied. And guess what? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
Delightful Comfort With Each Forkful
The real magic starts when that smooth, buttery garlic mixture wraps around each pasta piece. My little ones absolutely love how the sauce sneaks inside those rigatoni tubes making each mouthful incredibly satisfying. This has turned into my favorite way to wow guests without being stuck cooking all day.
Your Shopping List
- Chicken Breasts: Chop them into small chunks so they cook up quicker.
- Butter: Be generous here as it brings everything together.
- Garlic: Use freshly minced for the best flavor kick.
- Chicken Broth: This creates an amazing base for our sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to that velvety texture we want.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grab a block and grate it yourself for better taste.
- Rigatoni Pasta: These big tubes catch all that yummy sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: My little trick for extra tastiness.
- Salt and Pepper: Add to your liking.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color at the end.
Cooking Steps
- Begin With Pasta:
- Cook your rigatoni in water with plenty of salt until it's nearly done.
- Prepare The Chicken:
- In your largest pan, melt some butter, add those chicken bits with seasoning and cook until they're golden brown.
- Add The Garlic:
- Drop in more butter and cook that garlic until you can smell it but watch it doesn't turn brown.
- Create Your Sauce:
- Add the broth, let it simmer then mix in cream and cheese until everything looks smooth.
- Mix Everything:
- Combine your chicken and pasta, making sure they're all covered in that delicious sauce.
- Last Step:
- Add a handful of parsley on top and you're ready to eat.
Pasta Tips From My Kitchen
Don't buy pre-grated Parmesan as you'll miss out on so much flavor. Leave your pasta slightly undercooked since it'll finish in the hot sauce. Don't let your garlic get too dark or it'll taste bitter. Always save a cup of pasta water to fix a sauce that gets too thick.
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Success Factors
This dish brings together all the good stuff - a creamy delicious sauce, juicy chicken bits and perfectly cooked pasta. It's my answer for when I want something impressive but can't handle complex cooking. And since you only need one pan, cleanup won't take forever.
Mix It Up
- Plant-Based Option: Try using browned mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Spice It Up: Toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix some Romano with your Parmesan for deeper flavor.
- Seafood Twist: Swap chicken for juicy shrimp.
Complete Your Dinner
This tastes amazing with some toasty garlic bread to mop up that leftover sauce. Add a basic Caesar salad on the side and you've got the full package. Pour yourself some chilled white wine or fizzy water with a squeeze of lemon to wash it all down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch to a different pasta type?
- Sure, swap it with options like penne or fettuccine. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time for that pasta to achieve perfect texture.
- → What stops the sauce from splitting?
- Use low-medium heat when mixing in cream and cheese. Keep stirring consistently and don't let the sauce boil after adding the dairy.
- → Is pre-grated Parmesan okay to use?
- Fresh Parmesan is better since it melts more smoothly. Pre-grated cheese includes additives that might create a grainy sauce.
- → What's a good alternative to heavy cream?
- Half-and-half can work but makes the sauce thinner. Heavy cream is best for a rich, creamy sauce that holds together perfectly.
- → What's the best way to store this dish?
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Add a little milk or cream while reheating since the pasta will soak up some sauce.