Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

If you’re searching for a satisfying, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that brings comfort and indulgence to the dinner table, this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Combining tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta and a velvety parmesan sauce, this dish is the epitome of Italian-inspired home cooking with a touch of gourmet flair. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Nutritional Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Category: Dinner, Pasta

• Cuisine: Italian-American

• Calories (approx.): 670 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe stands out not only because of its taste but because of its simplicity and versatility. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory depth to the seared chicken, while the rigatoni holds onto the creamy parmesan sauce in every bite. It’s:

• Comforting and rich

• Easy enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests

• Made with pantry-friendly ingredients

• Customizable with vegetables or spice levels

You’ll also love how the rigatoni’s tubular shape allows the sauce to cling perfectly to each piece, ensuring flavor in every forkful.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ¾ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Extra parmesan for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the Rigatoni

Start by cooking the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

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• Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook for about 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.

• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• In the same pan, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté again for 30 seconds.

• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Lower the heat and gradually add the parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to avoid clumping. Let the sauce thicken for 5–7 minutes.

• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

4. Combine and Finish

• Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back to the pan with the sauce. Mix until well combined and heated through.

• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and more parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan for the best taste and texture.

• Don’t overcook the chicken — golden brown outside and juicy inside is what you want.

• Rigatoni works best, but penne or ziti are good alternatives.

• Balance the richness with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you prefer a slight kick.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is quite rich, so pair it with lighter sides like:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

• A slice of crusty garlic bread

You can also serve it with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a restaurant-style experience at home.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, penne, ziti, or fettuccine work well, though rigatoni holds sauce better.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.

3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   Absolutely. You may omit the red pepper flakes if your children prefer milder food.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes. Prepare everything except for combining the sauce and pasta until you’re ready to serve.

5. What vegetables can I add to this dish?
   Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes work great with the creamy sauce.

6. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free.

7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken can be used, just warm it in the garlic butter for flavor.

8. How do I thin out a sauce that’s too thick?
   Add reserved pasta water, broth, or a bit of milk while stirring.

9. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?
   It’s not ideal as the cream sauce can separate, but you can freeze it for up to one month if needed. Reheat slowly while stirring.

10. How can I make this dish more spicy?
    Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

11. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
    Yes, divide it into containers and refrigerate for quick lunches or dinners.

12. Where can I find more recipes like this?
    Follow us on Pinterest for more creamy pasta dishes, comforting dinners, and quick family-friendly meals.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is everything you need in a comforting, satisfying dinner. With layers of garlic-rich butter, tender chicken, and creamy parmesan goodness, it’s bound to be a favorite in your household. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any day of the week.

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