Save 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 made this creamy chicken rigatoni on a chilly evening when my family craved something both comforting and quick. The blend of garlic and Parmesan made the kitchen smell incredible, and everyone came back for seconds.
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
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Start Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Make Roux:
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Milk & Cream:
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese & Season:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add 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 This creamy pasta is now a favorite for family dinners. Even on hectic weeknights, it feels special and everyone praises the rich flavor.
Suggested Pairings
Enjoy with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or serve with a simple side salad for balance.
Customization Ideas
Add sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach to the sauce for extra depth and nutrition.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 630 calories, 27 g fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save This dish is comfort food perfection—creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every bite with your loved ones.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly before slowly adding milk and cream. Constant stirring while simmering helps keep the sauce smooth.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes instead of rigatoni?
Yes, sturdy pasta like penne or fusilli works well to hold the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach make great additions to enhance the sauce’s richness and texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to preserve texture.
- → What wine pairs best with this meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and chicken beautifully.