Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
This comforting creamy garlic butter chicken pasta is the perfect weeknight meal, blending tender seasoned chicken breast with a rich, velvety sauce. By using a single skillet for the chicken and the sauce, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. The combination of fragrant fresh garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a decadent sauce that clings beautifully to the ridges of al dente rigatoni. It is a reliable, restaurant-quality dish made with simple pantry staples that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the pasta, and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Penne or ziti are excellent substitutes if you do not have rigatoni on hand. Ensure you use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting consistency in your sauce. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.5gCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 750mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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