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.
This is a go to recipe for when I want something hearty yet simple to impress friends and family.
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 This recipe always brings everyone to the table eager and satisfied making family dinners a joy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine and a green salad for a complete meal.
Variations
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Pin This dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour into melted butter to form a roux before gradually adding milk and cream, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.
- → Can I substitute rigatoni with other pasta types?
Yes, penne or ziti work well as they hold the creamy sauce similarly and cook to al dente texture.
- → What can enhance the flavor of this dish?
Adding sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce adds depth and freshness.
- → How can I make this dish faster?
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken reduces cooking time while maintaining the flavor profile.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich cream and Parmesan flavors beautifully.