Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce 🍝🧄🧈

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken bites and perfectly cooked rigatoni are tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and butter. It’s a decadent one-pan meal that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan sauce is luscious and full of flavor.
Easy and Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes!
Hearty and Filling: Perfect for satisfying hungry appetites.
Customizable: Add veggies or swap the pasta to suit your taste.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

1. Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Add the Cream and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and drained rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances the richness of the dish.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or asparagus make great additions.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until tender to keep it juicy.
Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or lemon zest for brightness.
Toss in Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, indulgent meal that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s a dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

Let me know how yours turns out—and don’t forget to share your favorite twists or additions! 🍝❤️