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The perfect Italian-American pasta dish combines tender rigatoni, juicy chicken, and a velvety garlic butter sauce. Large pasta tubes catch every bit of the rich sauce while freshly grated Parmesan adds deep, savory flavor.
Through extensive recipe testing, the keys to success are properly cooked pasta and well-seasoned chicken for ideal texture and taste.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Even thickness for consistent cooking
- Rigatoni: Ridged tubes hold sauce well
- Heavy cream: Use full-fat for best results
- Parmesan: Fresh-grated melts best
- Garlic: Fresh whole cloves
- Butter: Unsalted for control
- Olive oil: Extra virgin
- Seasonings: Italian herb blend
Preparation Steps
- Cook Pasta
- Boil salted water. Cook pasta 2 minutes under package time. Save 1 cup water before draining.
- Season Chicken
- Dry chicken thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, paprika. Rest 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken
- Heat oil until shimmering. Sear 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F internal.
- Start Sauce
- Melt butter in pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Finish Sauce
- Add broth, scrape fond. Reduce 2 minutes. Stir in cream. Whisk in cheese until smooth.
- Combine
- Return chicken to pan. Add pasta, toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed.
- Check Temperature
- Sauce should reach 165°F. Adjust heat accordingly.
- Garnish
- Top with parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot.
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Proper timing and organization are essential - mise en place ensures smooth preparation.
Storage Guide
- Store in fridge 3 days maximum
- Warm with added cream
- Keep sauce separate for prep ahead
- Not suitable for freezing
This recipe adapts well to different dietary preferences while keeping its core comfort food appeal.
Nutrition Benefits
- High-quality protein content
- Energy from complex carbs
- Dairy calcium benefits
- Natural garlic nutrients
Family Heritage
Traditional Italian technique uses pasta water's natural starch to create the perfect sauce texture.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Spring: Fresh peas and herbs
- Summer: Ripe tomatoes
- Fall: Roasted squash
- Winter: Wild mushrooms
Nutritional Aspects
- Protein-carb balance
- Essential B vitamins
- Calcium-rich ingredients
- Heart-healthy compounds
Accompaniments
- Fresh garden salad
- Crusty garlic bread
- Seasonal vegetables
- Garden herbs
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This versatile recipe works equally well for casual dinners or special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I pick a different pasta for this dish?
- Absolutely, try penne or fettuccine for a tasty twist on rigatoni.
- → What’s the secret to making the sauce thicker?
- Mix in more Parmesan or an extra splash of heavy cream until you get the texture you want.
- → Can this be prepped ahead and stored?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently reheat leftovers with a little cream to refresh the sauce.
- → Is this recipe gluten-free?
- It can be! Just swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, as the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- → What should I serve alongside it?
- Save room for garlic bread or toss together a crisp salad to round out your meal.