Description
A warm and comforting dish featuring tender pasta soaked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce topped with garlic butter chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thick bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rigatoni. Cook until tender but still slightly firm (al dente), about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until golden crust forms. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly crisp.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet (lower the heat to medium), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic, cooking briefly, then pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm, stirring slowly as it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheeses: Integrate the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring until it becomes thick and smooth. Season with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until each piece is coated and thoroughly combined with the creamy goodness.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken, then sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
Customize with vegetables or different cheeses as desired. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Rigatoni, Creamy Pasta, Family Recipe, Comfort Food