Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, indulgent, and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a velvety garlic butter Parmesan sauce, and hearty rigatoni. This restaurant-quality meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion and is guaranteed to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & comforting – A luxurious garlic butter Parmesan sauce.
- Easy & quick – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Protein-packed – Tender, juicy chicken breast in every bite.
- Perfectly paired with rigatoni – Holds the sauce beautifully!
- Versatile – Customize with veggies, spice, or extra cheese.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until thickened. Add lemon juice for brightness.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Return the chicken and cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in mozzarella or Asiago cheese.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetable Add-ins – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta work well.
What wine pairs with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just warm it in the sauce before serving.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth while mixing.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Use milk with a little cornstarch or cashew cream.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pairs well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best cheese for this sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for the best melt.
How do I prevent my sauce from breaking?
Simmer gently and avoid high heat after adding the cream.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check ingredient labels.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, comforting, and irresistible pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Tender chicken pieces are seared in garlic butter, then tossed with rigatoni and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting one-pan meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta (or penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- Salted water for boiling
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or pasta water for extra flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking to remove lumps.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella (if using) and let melt into the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread for dipping.
- With a Side Salad: A light Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve with asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli.
Notes
- Want it extra cheesy? Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère.
- Make it spicy! Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or milk with a cornstarch slurry.
- More flavor? Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach.