Pin it 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.
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni quickly became a family favorite during cold evenings when we craved comfort food with minimal fuss.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt pepper and Italian herbs.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- In the same skillet reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic sauté until fragrant about 1 minute.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Step 6:
- Gradually add the milk and cream whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens 2 3 minutes.
- Step 8:
- 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.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Pin it This dish always brings smiles at our family table especially when served with a side of crusty bread and good company.
Notes
Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect meal experience.
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.
Pin it Serve this creamy chicken rigatoni hot for best taste and garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the rigatoni perfectly al dente?
Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions, testing occasionally for a firm yet tender bite.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken or sautéed mushrooms make excellent alternatives that blend well with the creamy sauce.
- → What is the best way to avoid lumps in the sauce?
Whisk continuously when adding milk and cream to the flour-butter roux to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
Simmer the sauce longer to thicken or add reserved pasta water gradually for a silkier consistency if too thick.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?
Dried Italian herbs and fresh parsley add aromatic layers, balancing the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
The creamy sauce relies heavily on dairy ingredients like milk, cream, and Parmesan, so it is not suitable for dairy-free diets.