Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving a creamy, indulgent pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce that coats every bite, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is here to make your dreams come true! This dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl—packed with bold flavors and smooth, buttery goodness. The perfectly seared chicken, the luscious garlic butter sauce, and the irresistible Parmesan cream sauce all come together in one satisfying meal. And let’s be honest, pasta is always a win, but this creamy version? It’s next-level delicious.

What’s so great about this dish is that it’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy from the Parmesan, with that deep garlic flavor that makes every bite so addictive. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this one will definitely have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to make this irresistible dish? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

• Decadent Creaminess: The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to scrape every last bit out of the bowl.
• Quick and Easy: Even though it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, this dish is simple to make and ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want to feel fancy without a lot of fuss.
• Full of Flavor: Garlic, butter, Parmesan, and chicken—need I say more? It’s a flavor combination that just works, every single time.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: If you love cozy, hearty dishes that fill you up and make you feel warm inside, this pasta is a must-try.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy, garlicky masterpiece to life:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, juicy chicken that sears beautifully and adds protein to this rich dish.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding a bit of richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken just right.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic flavor for the chicken itself.

For the Pasta:

• Rigatoni: The perfect pasta for this dish! Its tube-like shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Water and Salt: For boiling the pasta and seasoning it as it cooks.

For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

• Butter: The base of the creamy sauce. It adds richness and depth.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, to create that aromatic base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and meltability.
• Chicken Broth: To help create a silky-smooth sauce and add some depth of flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: For a touch of freshness and color to finish the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course—seasoning the sauce to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you’ll turn all these simple ingredients into a creamy pasta dream:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once it’s done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

2. Sear the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Parmesan:

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating that creamy, cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are coated in that luscious sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Divide the creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni among plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

This dish is a meal all on its own, but here are a few sides that pair perfectly:

• Garlic Bread: You can never have too much garlic, and warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta. Try mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing.
• Steamed Veggies: Roasted broccoli or asparagus is an excellent choice to add some healthy greens to the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully with this rich, creamy dish.

Additional Tips

• Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make It Extra Cheesy: Feel free to add more Parmesan cheese (or even some mozzarella) for an extra cheesy experience.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and toss the pasta with the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute it with penne, fettuccine, or any other pasta you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead. The creamy Parmesan sauce will still shine!

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze the pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of cream if needed.

Q4: Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
A4: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be a bit lighter and less creamy.

Q5: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
A5: While pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, freshly grated Parmesan will give you a smoother, creamier sauce with better flavor. It’s worth the extra step!

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is everything you want in a pasta dish: rich, creamy, full of flavor, and comforting. The garlic butter sauce is out-of-this-world delicious, and the Parmesan adds the perfect amount of cheesy goodness. This dish is perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation! Enjoy!

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