Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors makes every bite a delightful experience, and it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Chicken breasts
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the rigatoni.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. You can place the cheesy rigatoni on plates and top it with slices of chicken. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or cheese to the sauce.
- If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce while it cooks.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just sauté them with the garlic or steam them separately and mix them in before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne or fusilli works well too.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then combine everything just before serving.
What other seasonings can I add?
You can add Italian seasoning or herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor.
Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
A delicious and comforting dish combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the rigatoni.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or cheese. Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg