Description
Cooking can often be a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, a chance to create something comforting for ourselves and our loved ones. Imagine the warmth of your kitchen filled with the rich aroma of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan wafting through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that can bring everyone together, sparking conversations and laughter around the dining table. Here, in this simple but delicious dish, lies the promise of shared memories and the joy of nourishing those you care about.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (2 large, boneless and skinless)
- Garlic cloves (4, minced)
- Butter (1/2 cup)
- Rigatoni pasta (12 ounces)
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Parsley (fresh, chopped for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper for better flavor.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, add the drained rigatoni along with reserved pasta water, more butter, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
After resting, slice the chicken breasts into strips.
Plate the rigatoni, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, including both chicken and pasta preparation.
Substitutions
You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option, and feel free to use gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Storage Instructions
Leftover garlic butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes