Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand excitement, and these zesty lemon and garlic chicken bites with creamy rigatoni parmesan will spark immediate kitchen enthusiasm.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant lemon and garlic blend create mouthwatering magic on your plate.

The rich, velvety parmesan sauce coats each rigatoni noodle with decadent flavor and comfort.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside robust garlic undertones, transforming a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Succulent chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta promise a meal that satisfies deeply and quickly.

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking deliciousness.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through tangy, creamy, and savory ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Sear Chicken and Toss Creamy Rigatoni

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot of water bubbling with salt. Drop in rigatoni and cook until tender but firm. Drain and keep warm.

• Season and Sizzle Chicken

Toss chicken chunks with zesty spices. Blast in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through.

• Infuse with Citrus and Herbs

Splash in fresh garlic and dance the chicken with bright lemon juice. Let the flavors mingle and shine.

• Whip Up Dreamy Sauce

Melt butter in the same pan. Pour in silky cream and savory broth. Stir in rich Parmesan until velvety smooth.

• Create Magic on the Plate

Swirl pasta through the luxurious sauce. Crown with the tangy chicken bites. Scatter fresh herbs on top for a stunning finish.

Flavor Ideas That Complement Lemon & Garlic

• Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. The water should taste like seawater to ensure well-seasoned pasta from the inside out.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently and combine just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and taste.
• Swap regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The dish remains equally delicious and accommodating for those with dietary restrictions.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the chicken and sauce.
• For extra protein, consider adding grilled shrimp or crispy pancetta alongside the chicken bites. These alternatives can transform the dish and provide delightful variations for meat lovers or those seeking additional protein sources.

Serve This Pasta Bake for Cozy Nights In

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting meal together, creating warm memories with each delicious bite.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and basil on top to add brightness, color, and a burst of fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the lemony chicken and creamy pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will enhance the dish's zesty and rich flavors.
• Side Salad Companion: Serve with a light mixed green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy parmesan pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.

Best Storage Method for Creamy Pasta Leftovers

• Store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess. Keep chicken in one container and pasta in another, with sauce on the side.
• Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of chicken broth or cream when warming. Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Consume refrigerated dish within 3-4 days for best taste and quality. Place containers in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf away from the door.
• Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring to restore creamy consistency. Avoid freezing pasta to prevent texture breakdown.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Bites and Rigatoni Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Bites: Succulent protein that forms the star of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavors and create a balanced taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and exciting kick to the chicken, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy touch.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.

• Rigatoni: Hearty pasta with ridges that perfectly captures the creamy sauce, select high-quality durum wheat variety.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Luxurious liquid base that creates a velvety smooth sauce with rich depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that provides incredible richness and depth to the sauce.
• Butter: Adds silky smoothness and helps create a luxurious sauce consistency.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense flavor to both chicken and sauce.
• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that elevates the cream sauce with warm, sophisticated undertones.

• Lemon: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds freshness to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Fresh Parsley, Basil: Vibrant herbs that provide color, freshness, and herbal complexity to the final dish.

Tools for Pasta and Chicken in One Dish

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with ample space.
• Skillet: Crucial for cooking chicken and creating creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garlic and zesting lemon.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for precise mincing and chopping.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Grater: Ideal for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure seasonings accurately.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for seasoning chicken bites.

Zesty Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan deliver bold flavor in one comforting skillet. Juicy chicken, tangy lemon, and rich parmesan create a perfect harmony that draws diners into a delightful culinary experience.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed, to adjust sauce thickness)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water vessel to a rolling boil. Immerse rigatoni and cook until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and reserve.
2. Chicken Enhancement: Generously coat chicken morsels with aromatic seasonings, massaging spices thoroughly into the meat. Ignite a skillet with olive oil and butter, searing chicken until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce minced garlic into the sizzling skillet, allowing its essence to bloom. Drizzle vibrant lemon juice and scatter zest, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly. Remove from heat and temporarily set aside.
4. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and awaken garlic’s fragrance. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to create a harmonious liquid. Allow gentle simmering to develop depth. Incorporate grated Parmesan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Continue stirring until sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Final Assembly: Cascade rigatoni into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta curve becomes lavishly coated. Artfully arrange pasta on serving plates, crown with succulent lemon-garlic chicken bites. Scatter fresh parsley, delicate basil leaves, and an additional dusting of Parmesan to elevate the presentation.

Notes

• Cook rigatoni just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness in the final dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and moisture.
• Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create a silky, creamy sauce.
• Adjust lemon zest and juice to taste, as citrus intensity can vary depending on the lemons used.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg