Pin Recipe 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 made this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni on a cold evening and it instantly became a family favorite. The simple steps and delicious flavors made it feel special yet manageable for a weeknight.
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
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook Chicken:
- 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.
- Make Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Flour:
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add Dairy:
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens, 2 – 3 minutes.
- Combine:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pin Recipe Sharing this meal with my family always brings smiles to the table. Everyone enjoys the creamy sauce and the comforting taste of this pasta.
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken rigatoni with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc and a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 630 calories, 27 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Pin Recipe This creamy chicken rigatoni is a soothing meal that comes together in under an hour and is always a hit at gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the sauce from lumping?
Whisk the flour and butter roux thoroughly before gradually adding milk and cream while continuously stirring to ensure a smooth sauce.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine work well, but rigatoni holds the creamy sauce nicely due to its ridges.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or fresh baby spinach into the sauce to deepen the dish's flavor and add texture.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat until just golden and fully cooked but avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead?
You can cook components separately and combine just before serving, reheating gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.