Description
This rich and creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Tender pieces of chicken are combined with al dente pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. - Combine the Ingredients:
Lower the heat to medium and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Toss with Pasta:
Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Serve:
Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken and rigatoni in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier dish.
- If you like a richer sauce, add more Parmesan cheese to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Chicken Pasta, Rigatoni Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food Pasta