Description
This rich and comforting dish features tender garlic butter chicken bites tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni, all coated in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s indulgent enough to serve for guests and simple enough to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons butter
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes for heat.
7. Return cooked chicken and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and more red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds its shape and texture in the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Add a splash of pasta water or extra cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, Alfredo rigatoni