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Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan

  • Author: Emily

Description

Discover a delicious Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan recipe! Perfectly balanced with zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List (With Measurements)

To make Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan, gather the following ingredients for optimal results:

Chicken Bites

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinating
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice for acidity and flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni

  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for robust flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this dish from start to finish, ensuring all components blend beautifully:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
  2. Add the chicken bites to the marinade, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated.
  3. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Set aside and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the marinated chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set aside, covering them to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Rigatoni Pasta

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
  2. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water, then add the rigatoni pasta.
  3. Cook according to package instructions or until the pasta is al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes.
  4. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally until the mixture is warmed through.
  3. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously to prevent clumping.
  4. Season with garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Rigatoni, Sauce, and Chicken

  1. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
  2. Fold in the cooked chicken bites, ensuring they are well-distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
  3. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  1. Transfer the Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan to serving plates.
  2. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful pasta with zesty chicken bites.

Notes

Tips, Notes, Storing, and Reheating

Expert Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Lemon Zest: For extra zing, add fresh lemon zest to the marinade. It brings a bold lemon flavor without the acidity that lemon juice alone might add.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: For a thinner sauce, add a small amount of milk or reserved pasta water. To thicken, simmer the sauce a bit longer or add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
  • Balance the Garlic: While garlic brings depth, a little goes a long way. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more, but for a milder taste, stick to the recommended amount.
  • Preheat the Skillet: Ensure the skillet is properly preheated before adding the marinated chicken. This creates a quick sear, locking in flavor and juices.
  • Toss Pasta in the Sauce Just Before Serving: Adding the pasta to the sauce immediately before serving helps it retain its creamy consistency and ensures the sauce evenly coats each piece.

Storing Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan

To store leftovers properly, follow these tips for freshness and flavor retention:

  • Refrigerating: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, store the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce, if possible, to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.
  • Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen in the sauce, pasta tends to become mushy upon reheating. For this reason, freezing is not recommended. If you must freeze, only freeze the chicken bites and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

  • Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the pasta and sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to help revive the sauce’s creamy texture as it warms.
  • Microwave: If using a microwave, reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Add a bit of liquid (water or milk) to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This method can prevent the pasta from becoming rubbery, especially if you add a little extra sauce or milk to keep it moist.

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Find it online: https://flavorfulside.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-bites-with-creamy-rigatoni-parmesan/