Description
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, and rich creamy sauce in a delightful pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this quick recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare while delivering an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until tender; reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken until golden and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet; stir briefly.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk; add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine cooked rigatoni with the sauce; use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Taste, season as needed, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg