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Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Deborah
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
  3. 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.
  4. Set Chicken Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily to prepare the sauce.
  5. Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  9. Drain and Toss Pasta: Drain the pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and add a light flavor.
  10. 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.

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Find it online: https://easydinnerinminutes.com/creamy-parmesan-chicken-with-rigatoni-pasta-recipe/