Description
Golden, buttery garlic chicken meets perfectly cooked rigatoni in this easy dinner recipe that’s destined to become your weeknight favorite. This dish is packed with flavor thanks to tender chicken cubes seared to perfection, a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce, and plenty of fresh Parmesan. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner idea, a quick meal for guests, or an irresistible pasta recipe for your collection, this one delivers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and so satisfying—a must-try food idea for anyone craving bold flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes (if using), then stir in heavy cream.
- Slowly mix in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked rigatoni and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat evenly.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Adjust sauce thickness with more pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes