CREAMY PARMESAN CHICKEN RIGATONI ULTIMATE

Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked rigatoni, each tube coated in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce, studded with tender pieces of chicken – the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, even on a busy weeknight. Let me guide you through creating this pasta perfection, and I promise, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 6 cups water
• 1 tbsp salt

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Talk Rigatoni: The Star of the Show

Why rigatoni? Well, it’s not just any pasta; its ridged texture and wide tubes are specifically designed to capture every drop of that glorious Creamy Parmesan sauce. That’s what makes it perfect for this dish. It’s the ideal choice for creamy rigatoni pasta creations. However, if you’re in a pinch, penne or even farfalle (bowtie) pasta could work, but trust me, rigatoni truly elevates the experience. And it’s a fantastic building block for other Chicken Mozzarella Pasta variations!

Chicken Prep: Flavor Starts Here

The key to amazing chicken in your pasta is proper seasoning. Don’t skimp on the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These simple spices bring out the chicken’s natural flavor and create a beautiful color when sautéed. Make sure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it, so work in batches if necessary. This step, while simple, is crucial for creating those delicious little bites of chicken that complement the creamy sauce perfectly. We’re building a solid foundation for our Comfort Pasta Recipes.

Crafting the Creamy Parmesan Dream Sauce

Okay, here’s where the magic happens. The creamy Parmesan sauce is what transforms this dish from good to *unforgettable*. The secret? Patience and quality ingredients. Use real butter, fresh garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid the pre-shredded stuff if you can – it doesn’t melt as smoothly. When adding the flour, whisk constantly to prevent lumps. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking over low heat, and they’ll eventually dissolve. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it’s gloppy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Cook!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold – it helps the sauce cling to the pasta!
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is called a roux, and it’s what thickens the sauce.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley (if using).
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks for Pasta Perfection

Want to take your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni to the next level? Here are a few insider tips:

• Add Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions. Consider this when creating your own unique Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne variations.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano would also be lovely additions to the sauce.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta and chicken.
• Cheese Please: Don’t be shy with the Parmesan! A generous grating on top is always welcome. You could even try adding a blend of cheeses, like mozzarella or Asiago, for an extra cheesy kick, similar to what you’d find in Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ultimate.

Variations on a Theme: Rigatoni Chicken Pasta Adventures

Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, the possibilities are endless! Try these variations for even more deliciousness. Think of it as launching your own personal exploration of Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta and other great flavors.

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Rigatoni: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Rigatoni: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce for a vibrant green hue and herbaceous flavor.
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Rigatoni: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy and chewy texture.

These recipes with rigatoni pasta showcase the versatility of this classic pasta shape. The hearty texture holds up well to rich, creamy sauces and flavorful ingredients.

Pairing Suggestions for Your Comfort Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Because, why not?
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would be delicious roasted and served alongside the pasta.

Why This Recipe Works: The Perfect Balance

The beauty of this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce is rich and comforting, while the chicken provides a savory protein boost. The rigatoni pasta adds a satisfying chewiness, and the Parmesan cheese provides a salty and umami-rich flavor. It’s a dish that satisfies on so many levels, making it a true comfort food classic. It offers a delightful experience, and with a few tweaks, you can even tailor it to be like Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, substituting the chicken with beef for a different protein source.

Enjoy Your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni!

There you have it! A step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni

Alice Yowell

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni coated in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce with tender pieces of chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, even on a busy weeknight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 lb rigatoni pasta
• 6 cups water
• 1 tbsp salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk whole milk or 2% recommended
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
• Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Stir in the chopped parsley (if using).
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Add sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh basil or oregano would also be lovely additions to the sauce. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the pasta and chicken. For a different flavor profile, try substituting the chicken with beef.