Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful dish that perfectly blends tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and a hint of lemon, envelops each piece of chicken and each piece of pasta, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. This dish is simple to prepare yet feels elegant enough for a dinner party or a special family meal.

With its savory flavor profile and creamy texture, Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a wonderful option for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. In this recipe guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, helpful tips for achieving the perfect garlic butter sauce, and suggestions for variations to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and chicken creates a rich and comforting flavor profile that is universally loved. The addition of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon elevates the dish and adds a burst of freshness.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Meal: This dish is incredibly convenient, as it can be made in one pan, minimizing the mess and cleanup afterward. The pasta is cooked in the same pan as the chicken, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Versatile and Customizable: Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni can be easily customized with different ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, or even other proteins such as shrimp or beef. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste to make this dish truly your own.
• Comforting and Filling: The combination of chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce is both comforting and filling, providing a satisfying meal that will keep you full and content.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550-600 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may want to slice them in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces, which will cook more evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. While the chicken rests, you can move on to the next steps.

2. Cook the Rigatoni

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes.

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set the pasta aside, keeping it warm.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

Add the thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the garlic butter, and cook for an additional minute to allow the herbs to release their flavors.

Next, add the lemon juice and chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.

Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, continuing to stir until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.

Add the drained rigatoni pasta to the skillet as well, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and add extra richness. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If desired, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic imparts a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the dish than garlic powder. Be sure to use freshly minced garlic for the best results.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Preference: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less chicken broth or heavy cream. If you want a lighter sauce, you can reduce the cream or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add More Vegetables: To make the dish more hearty and colorful, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. These vegetables will complement the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or top the finished dish with a few flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and remove the bones before slicing the chicken.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become dry. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the pan once it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

• Shrimp and Rigatoni: For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp. Sauté the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce until pink and fully cooked, then toss with the pasta as you would the chicken.
• Vegetarian Garlic Butter Rigatoni: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the garlic butter sauce. This makes for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken and Rigatoni: For extra citrus flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice in the sauce and add some lemon zest to the dish. The bright lemon flavor will perfectly complement the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rigatoni: For an even creamier version, increase the amount of heavy cream and reduce the chicken broth. This will give you a thicker, more indulgent sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and gently heat the dish over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: You can freeze the garlic butter chicken and rigatoni for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently heat on the stovetop. You may need to add additional cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with pasta dishes, garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy, buttery accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta and garlic butter sauce. Try adding arugula, mixed greens, or a simple Caesar salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful side to complement the creamy pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli: For an easy and nutritious side, serve steamed broccoli with the garlic butter chicken and rigatoni. The slight bitterness of the broccoli contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the richness of the garlic butter sauce, offering a refreshing contrast. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir can also work.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. The dish is simple to make yet full of complex flavors, and it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special celebration, Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!