If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that will wow anyone at your table, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This dish is a beautiful balance of creamy texture, cheesy depth, and Italian-inspired herbs that comes together with simple ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe plays an essential role in layering flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of the components makes it easy to whip up, yet the thoughtful combination ensures a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- Salt: Enhances every element’s natural flavors for a balanced taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery bite to season the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder: A subtle, aromatic note that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a fruity richness.
- Heavy cream: The rich base that creates the luscious, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and salty, it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Rigatoni pasta: Its ridges and hollow center hold onto the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Fresh parsley: Provides a burst of color and fresh herbaceous brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready when your chicken and sauce are prepped. Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend is crucial for building layers of flavor beneath that golden crust.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. This searing seals in juices and adds a mouthwatering texture before baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Once the chicken is removed and set aside briefly, pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits left behind. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes, becoming irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
Step 4: Bake with Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy Parmesan sauce over them. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This step finishes cooking the chicken through while allowing it to soak in the luscious sauce, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Step 5: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
While the chicken bakes, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. This step makes sure your pasta is ready to beautifully soak up all that creamy sauce once plated.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Serve the roasted creamy Parmesan chicken atop a generous bed of rigatoni pasta, spooning extra sauce from the skillet over the top. This final presentation highlights the fusion of tender chicken, rich sauce, and hearty pasta in every delicious bite.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top brings a lovely pop of green color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the creamy Parmesan sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add texture and complementary flavors. A warm crusty bread also works wonderfully to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve the chicken sliced into thick medallions over the rigatoni, arranged in a circular pattern on the plate. Drizzle extra Parmesan sauce around the edges and garnish with parsley and freshly cracked black pepper. This presentation makes the meal feel special without extra stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy Parmesan chicken and rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within two months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk if it feels too thick. Pasta can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering it to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully and add even more juiciness and richness to this creamy Parmesan chicken dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You could try substituting the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different from the classic recipe.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm it gently on the stove before adding the chicken and baking.
What type of rigatoni pasta works best?
Regular semolina rigatoni works best since its ridges and hollow shape capture the sauce beautifully, giving you that perfect bite every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the rigatoni pasta with a gluten-free alternative made from ingredients like rice, corn, or quinoa to keep the dish gluten-free while still enjoying the creamy Parmesan chicken.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that you will want to make over and over. The creamy, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta creates an irresistible comfort meal that feels both luxurious and totally approachable. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into this flavorful Italian-inspired delight—you won’t be disappointed!
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with Italian spices, seared to a golden brown, and baked in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Served over perfectly cooked rigatoni, this flavorful dish combines rich creaminess and savory cheese with comforting pasta for a satisfying dinner that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing pasta)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, creating a flavorful crust.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily to prepare the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes, forming a rich and creamy texture.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Toss Pasta: Drain the pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and add a light flavor.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan chicken over the rigatoni pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transfer from stove to oven without transferring contents.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick.
- Feel free to add sautéed garlic or onions to the sauce base for extra flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese delivers the best taste compared to pre-grated options.
- Garnishing with parsley adds color and a mild fresh flavor that complements the richness.
