Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken bites infused with lemon and garlic, served over rich, creamy Parmesan-coated rigatoni. This restaurant-style meal is easy to make at home and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – The Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta beautifully.
- Zesty & Garlicky – The lemon and garlic-infused chicken adds the perfect flavor contrast.
- One-Pan Simplicity – Quick and easy with minimal cleanup.
- Customizable – Swap the pasta, adjust the seasoning, or add veggies.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes great reheated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan:
- Rigatoni pasta
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Rigatoni – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon & Garlic Chicken
- Season Chicken – In a bowl, toss chicken bites with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic & Lemon – Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add lemon juice and zest, tossing to coat. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning – Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until smooth and thickened.
- Combine with Pasta – Toss cooked rigatoni in the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish – Serve the creamy rigatoni on plates, topped with the lemon garlic chicken bites.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, basil, and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Veggie Add-In – Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Different Pasta – Try penne, fettuccine, or even gnocchi instead of rigatoni.
- Extra Crunch – Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the pasta and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken bites?
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan and cook the chicken in batches if needed.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of cornstarch if needed to thicken it.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great side dishes.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and let the sauce simmer slightly before adding the pasta.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Asiago, Romano, or a mix of Italian cheeses work well.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
Reheat on the stovetop with a bit of broth or extra sauce to keep it moist.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes! A splash of white wine before adding the cream adds depth of flavor.
How do I prevent my sauce from separating?
Use low heat and stir constantly when adding cheese to prevent curdling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything ahead and store separately. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan is the perfect combination of zesty, garlicky chicken and rich, cheesy pasta. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is easy, comforting, and full of bold flavors. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
Print
Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Tender, juicy chicken bites, coated in a garlicky lemon butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan rigatoni—this dish is rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal!
Ingredients
For the Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed, to adjust sauce thickness)
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 of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites
- In a bowl, toss the chicken bites with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken bites to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thickened.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the Creamy Rigatoni Parmesan, then top with Lemon & Garlic Chicken Bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm!
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.