Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan. This quick and easy weeknight dish features tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, paired with creamy rigatoni pasta enveloped in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort without compromise. With customizable ingredients and effortless preparation, this meal is sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and basil. Toss the chicken in this marinade until well coated.
- Arrange marinated chicken in the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add lemon zest and season with salt and pepper.
- Drain rigatoni and toss it into the sauce along with the baked chicken bites. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg