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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is an easy pasta dinner made with tender chicken, garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese.Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting family meals.Ready in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time 14 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian-American

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.