Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Bites
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
3 tbsp butter
04 -
1 tbsp garlic, minced
05 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
06 -
½ tsp paprika
07 -
1 tsp salt
08 -
1/8 tsp pepper
→ Creamy Rigatoni Pasta
09 -
10 oz rigatoni pasta
10 -
2 tbsp butter
11 -
1 cup heavy cream
12 -
1 cup chicken broth
13 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
14 -
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 -
1 tsp garlic powder
17 -
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for mild kick)
18 -
1 tsp salt
19 -
1/8 tsp black pepper
20 -
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
21 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Add butter and minced garlic; stir for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 -
In the same skillet, add chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add rigatoni pasta and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
03 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything melts into a thick, cheesy, creamy sauce.
04 -
If sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Return garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
05 -
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier flavor, increase the Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes.