Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something rich, creamy, and downright delicious, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is going to become your new go-to dish. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and decadent Parmesan sauce all come together to create a meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Imagine juicy chicken coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce, mixed with pasta that soaks up all that creamy goodness. It’s cozy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one serving!

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

This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:

Rich & Creamy Flavor:

The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and pasta beautifully, offering a comforting, indulgent flavor in every bite.

Quick & Easy:

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can have this restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Perfectly Balanced:

The garlic butter and Parmesan sauce are the stars of the show, but the juicy chicken and al dente rigatoni balance out the richness perfectly. It’s the ideal harmony of flavors and textures!

Customizable:

Want to switch things up? You can easily tweak this dish. Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s versatile enough to suit your taste!

Family-Friendly:

This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy sauce is so flavorful and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or when you’re hosting guests.

Ingredients

This creamy, comforting dish comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. Tender and juicy, they soak up all that rich garlic butter flavor.
• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty pasta that holds up beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Butter: We’re making garlic butter sauce, and butter is essential for that silky, indulgent texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the sauce its fragrant, savory base.
• Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy texture that makes the sauce luscious and dreamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for that authentic, sharp, cheesy flavor that ties everything together.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce without being too heavy.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and giving it a nice sear.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this creamy, comforting dish? Let’s get cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Add the Cream & Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Chicken

Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta and chicken are coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Once everything is combined and heated through, taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in bowls or plates, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy every rich, flavorful bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calories per serving]
Preparation 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 perfect on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:

Fresh Salad:

A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect balance to this creamy pasta dish. The freshness of the salad helps cut through the richness of the sauce.

Garlic Bread:

You can never go wrong with some buttery garlic bread to sop up that delicious sauce. It’s a match made in heaven!

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers pair wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish. They add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.

Extra Parmesan:

If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle even more Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta:

Add More Veggies:

If you want to sneak some veggies into the dish, feel free to add some sautéed spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the sauce. They’ll add flavor and texture without compromising on the creamy goodness.

Make It Spicy:

For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. It gives the dish a nice kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Use Fresh Parmesan:

Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from the block if you can. Pre-grated Parmesan works fine, but freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce much better and gives a smoother texture.

Make It Ahead:

This dish can be prepped ahead of time! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day, and then just toss it all together with the pasta right before serving. It’s great for meal prep or entertaining.

Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for this creamy sauce, you can swap it for any pasta you prefer, like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.

Q2: Can I make this dish without chicken?
A2: Yes! If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even some artichoke hearts.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring it back to life.

Q4: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A4: Yes, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, but the sauce might not be as rich and creamy. It’ll still work fine if you’re looking for a lighter version.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A5: Yes! If you have rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, you can easily use it in place of the freshly cooked chicken. Just add it to the sauce and heat through.

Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little kick. You can also stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: Creamy pasta dishes like this one don’t freeze super well due to the cream separating when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately, and then reheat them with freshly cooked pasta.

Q8: Can I make this dish without garlic?
A8: If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip it or substitute it with a small amount of shallots for a milder, sweeter onion flavor.

Q9: Can I add more cheese to the sauce?
A9: Yes! If you love cheesy sauces, feel free to stir in more Parmesan or even add a handful of shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just use a larger skillet or divide the dish between two pans if needed.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the kind of dish

that makes you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant—without leaving the comfort of your home. The juicy chicken, tender pasta, and velvety Parmesan sauce are an unbeatable combination, and this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this creamy, comforting meal will never disappoint. So, get ready to dig in and enjoy every last, luscious bite!

Print