# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rigatoni
→ Chicken
02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (12 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
→ Sauce
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
10 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3.5 oz)
13 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
16 - Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
04 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
05 - Sprinkle flour into skillet and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 - Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer sauce until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained rigatoni and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as necessary to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
09 - Plate the pasta mixture immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan.
