Save Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. It is ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
I have made this Chicken Rigatoni countless times for family get-togethers and it is always a comforting favorite. The aroma of garlic and Parmesan simmering together brings everyone to the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) rigatoni
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless (about 350 g / 12 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Dried Italian Herbs (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole Milk: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (80 g)
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Grated Parmesan: for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Start Sauce:
- 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.
- Add Milk & Cream:
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, 2–3 minutes.
- Combine:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save Recently, we made this creamy rigatoni for a family Sunday dinner and everyone asked for seconds. It has become one of our most requested comfort dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy rigatoni with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc matches the flavors beautifully.
Required Tools
Prepare this dish easily with a large pot, large skillet, colander, whisk, wooden spoon or spatula, chef's knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 630 calories, 27 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save Your creamy garlic Parmesan rigatoni is ready to serve and sure to impress. Enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite!
Common Questions
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through to prevent dryness while retaining juiciness.
- → What’s the best way to avoid lumps in the cream sauce?
Whisk constantly when adding milk and cream to the roux, pouring slowly to maintain a smooth texture without lumps.
- → Can I use a different pasta than rigatoni?
Yes, other sturdy pastas like penne or ziti work well to hold the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- → How do I adjust the sauce thickness?
Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if too thick, adding gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
- → What garnish complements this dish best?
Freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan add a bright finish and enhance the creamy flavors.