# What You'll Need:
→ 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 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 cheese for serving
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, 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 to a plate and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
05 - Sprinkle flour over butter and garlic, whisking constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
07 - Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and nutmeg if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
08 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained rigatoni and toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve a smooth sauce consistency.
09 - Plate immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
