Description
Indulge in the creamy delight of Cheddar Garlic Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce, a dish that effortlessly brings together tender chicken, rich cheeses, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The savory garlic and cheddar flavors meld beautifully with the velvety Parmesan sauce, making every bite a satisfying experience. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss cubed chicken with olive oil and seasonings (Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter and sauté the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter; add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook for one minute while stirring.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Lower heat and stir in Parmesan and cheddar until melted and smooth; season with salt.
- Add cooked rigatoni and chicken to the sauce; toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately garnished with chopped chives if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added creaminess, consider incorporating a splash more milk or cream cheese when mixing in the cheeses. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.