Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni for a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic.
Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
Toss the cooked rigatoni, ensuring everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Time and Serving Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 630 kcal per serving

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta: Cook the rigatoni al dente to ensure it holds well in the sauce.
Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavour and nutrition.
Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan cheese.

Customizations and Add-Ons

Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or diced turkey instead of chicken.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Reheat gently and toss together just before serving.

Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

A: For the best flavour and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.