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 first served this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite comfort food.
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 
Gathering around this dish always brings joy and comfort to my family especially on weekends.
Notes
For extra flavor add sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce. Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Colander Whisk Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 630 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 62 g Protein 38 g
Pin This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni is an effortless meal that feels indulgent and satisfying every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape instead of rigatoni?
Yes, other short pasta like penne or ziti work well to hold the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- → What is the best way to avoid lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the butter and flour roux thoroughly, then gradually add milk and cream while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce for added depth and nutrition.
- → Is it possible to prepare this faster?
Using cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken can significantly reduce preparation time.