Description
Cheddar Garlic Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, rich cheddar, and savory garlic. This delightful meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The creamy sauce envelops the rigatoni, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Personalize it with your choice of vegetables or spices for an extra touch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Toss cubed chicken with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until cooked through; remove from skillet.
- Melt remaining butter in the same skillet; sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux; gradually add milk and broth until smooth.
- Stir in cheeses until melted; season with salt.
- Combine cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce; mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, include vegetables like spinach or broccoli. This dish reheats beautifully—perfect for leftovers!