Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For searing the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs.
- Salt & pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth – Adds savory richness to the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream – For a creamy, smooth texture.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce.
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – For sautéing garlic and creating a silky sauce.
- Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice the chicken into strips.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, mixing continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Place the sliced chicken on top and toss again to fully combine everything.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add vegetables: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Chicken thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Extra cheese: Add mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a gooey, extra cheesy dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Pan-searing, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
