Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the perfect comfort food dinner for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, creamy Parmesan, and perfectly cooked rigatoni come together in one irresistible pasta dish that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with garlic butter flavor
- Family-friendly and easy to prepare
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Creamy Parmesan sauce coats every bite beautifully
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and gently toss until fully combined. Simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan before serving. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce texture.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Substitute rigatoni with penne or fettuccine if preferred.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Grilled chicken thighs can also be used instead of chicken breasts.
- Fresh basil makes a delicious garnish alternative.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 34g
FAQ
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Rigatoni is ideal because the ridges hold the creamy garlic butter sauce well, but penne and ziti also work.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, but creamy sauces may slightly change texture after thawing. Reheat gently while stirring.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add reserved pasta water gradually while stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
To freeze, place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Ingredients
- For the Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and gently toss until fully combined. Simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan before serving. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Substitute rigatoni with penne or fettuccine if preferred.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Grilled chicken thighs can also be used instead of chicken breasts.
- Fresh basil makes a delicious garnish alternative.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a creamy, satisfying pasta recipe packed with rich flavors and comforting textures. Whether you are cooking for your family or preparing an easy dinner for guests, this recipe delivers a delicious homemade meal every time.