Description
Irresistible Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together juicy chicken in a zesty garlic butter sauce and al dente rigatoni coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For the Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Return chicken to pan and coat with garlic butter. Add lemon juice and stir. Keep warm.Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in cream and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.Combine and Serve
Toss cooked rigatoni in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Plate pasta and top with lemon garlic chicken. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
For more flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes.
Substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Leftovers can be used in wraps, salads, or omelets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, creamy rigatoni, pasta dinner, chicken parmesan pasta, weeknight chicken recipe, garlic butter chicken, comfort food, easy family dinner, creamy pasta, Italian chicken dish