Zesty Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan Recipe

Crispy, golden lemon and garlic chicken bites dance deliciously with creamy rigatoni parmesan, creating a symphony of flavor on your plate.

Tender morsels packed with zesty citrus and aromatic herbs promise an unforgettable meal.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave magic through each perfectly seasoned bite.

Complex yet simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle among pasta waves, promising a culinary adventure that sparks joy.

Weeknight dinners just got seriously delicious with this irresistible combination of classic ingredients.

One forkful will transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria, eager to savor every single bite.

How to Make This Zesty, Chicken Pasta Combo

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Boil Rigatoni – Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop in rigatoni and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian herb blend

Sear the Chicken – Warm olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally.

Infuse with Flavor – Toss in minced garlic and cook briefly. Splash with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle zest. Stir to coat evenly and remove from heat.

Step 3: Create Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Build the Sauce Base – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic.

Develop Creamy Texture – Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let simmer gently.

• Grated Parmesan
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Cook until smooth and slightly thickened.

Combine Pasta and Sauce – Toss rigatoni in the creamy mixture, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Assemble the Dish – Arrange creamy rigatoni on plates. Top with lemon garlic chicken bites.

Final Touches – Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, basil, and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Getting the Sauce and Texture Just Right

• Boost Pasta Flavor: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silkier, more cohesive sauce if needed.
• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before seasoning to ensure golden-brown, crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for extra kick.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Slowly add Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, creamy texture.
• Balance Citrus Notes: Taste the lemon juice before adding to ensure it's fresh and not too bitter, which can overpower the dish's delicate flavors.

Save and Reheat This Dish Without Losing Creaminess

• Transfer remaining chicken and pasta to airtight containers, separating them to maintain texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently over medium-low heat until heated through.
• Warm chicken bites in a microwave or skillet, adding a drizzle of lemon juice to refresh the flavors. Heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
• Enjoy leftovers within 2 days for optimal taste and texture. Discard if stored longer than 4 days or if any unusual odors develop.

Sides That Match This Zesty Chicken Pasta

• A crisp Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the zesty lemon and garlic chicken, cutting through the creamy Parmesan sauce with refreshing acidity.
• Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta, adding a peppery contrast and fresh texture to the meal.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the creamy Parmesan sauce, enhancing the dining experience with a delightful carbohydrate companion.
• Mix a sparkling lemonade with fresh basil and mint to mirror the dish's bright citrus notes, creating a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that elevates the chicken's lemony flavor.

Switch Up the Flavors in Lemon Chicken Rigatoni

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace rigatoni with gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating chicken and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for similar creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap rigatoni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lettuce wraps for serving chicken bites and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Season similarly with lemon, garlic, and herbs to maintain original recipe's taste and texture.

FAQs About Lemon & Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or linguine. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How spicy are these chicken bites?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more spice, increase the red pepper flakes.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken and pasta can be prepared in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and choose a non-dairy Parmesan cheese substitute to create a similar creamy sauce.

Why Lemon Chicken with Rigatoni Feels Like a Restaurant Dish

• This dish conquers dinner challenges with lightning-fast preparation and minimal ingredients, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals at home.
• Zesty lemon, spicy red pepper flakes, and rich Parmesan create a mouthwatering combination that transforms simple chicken and pasta into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe welcomes protein swaps, can be made gluten-free, and satisfies both adults and kids with its creamy, tangy profile.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for chicken and sauce, reducing washing time and making meal preparation stress-free for home cooks.

Ingredients for Chicken Bites with Parmesan Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: Classic tubular pasta that catches sauce perfectly, ideal for creamy dishes.

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• Chicken Bites: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings well, best with boneless and skinless chicken breast.

• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice combination for enhancing chicken flavor.
• Nutmeg: Subtle warm spice that adds depth to creamy sauces.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Bright green herbs for garnishing and adding fresh flavor.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich ingredients creating creamy, luxurious sauce texture.
• Grated Parmesan: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and adds tangy depth.

• Garlic: Fundamental flavor base that provides robust, savory notes.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus elements that brighten and balance rich sauce.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing with good flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds additional savory undertones to sauce.

Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon & garlic chicken bites dance through this creamy rigatoni parmesan, creating a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dream. Succulent chicken nestles perfectly among cheesy rigatoni, promising a quick, luxurious dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Chicken Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed, to adjust sauce thickness)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge rigatoni and cook until tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. In a mixing vessel, coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, black pepper, fiery red pepper flakes, and aromatic Italian herbs, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a sizzling surface over medium-high temperature. Introduce seasoned chicken, allowing each morsel to transform into a golden-brown delicacy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate minced garlic into the chicken, releasing its pungent essence for one minute. Drizzle fresh lemon juice and scatter zest, gently tossing to distribute flavors evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then sauté garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen.
6. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the pan, whisking to create a harmonious liquid. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for two minutes.
7. Introduce grated Parmesan, complementing with salt, black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Stir continuously until the sauce achieves a smooth, luxurious consistency.
8. Fold cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is lavishly coated.
9. Arrange the sauced rigatoni on serving plates, crowning with the lemon-infused chicken bites.
10. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley, delicate basil leaves, and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, then serve immediately.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance caramelization.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more robust and authentic taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting rigatoni with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and cheese quantities – add more broth for a lighter consistency or more cheese for a thicker sauce.
• Experiment with protein variations like shrimp, tofu, or turkey for diverse dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg