Pin 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 made this Rigatoni for my family on a rainy evening, and everyone went back for seconds. The combination of tender chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce is truly irresistible!
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 Rigatoni:
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Make Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Create Sauce:
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens, 2 3 minutes.
- Combine Everything:
- 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.
- Finish and Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pin Sharing this meal always brings my family together at the table. It is often requested for birthday dinners and special occasions!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, colander, whisk, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), possible traces of egg in some pasta. Always check labels for hidden allergens if you have sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 630, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 38 g
Pin This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the simple comfort of homemade pasta with every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Rigatoni is ideal due to its ridges that hold the creamy sauce well, but penne or ziti can be good substitutes.
- → How can I ensure the sauce is smooth and lump-free?
Whisk the flour into melted butter to form a roux before gradually adding milk and cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the chicken pieces ahead and storing them refrigerated helps reduce cooking time when assembling the dish.
- → What are good additions to enhance flavor?
Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach stirred into the sauce add depth and freshness to the dish.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly if needed, ensuring it coats the pasta and chicken smoothly.