Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Oh wow, this one’s a total comfort food winner. Creamy garlic butter, juicy chicken, and pasta? Yup—it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

We made it for dinner last night, and let me tell you—it was gone so fast. The parmesan sauce is rich and smooth, and it hugs every bite of rigatoni just right.

It’s cozy, it’s filling, and honestly, it tastes like something from a fancy restaurant. But guess what? You can totally make it at home in one pan.

So if you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and easy to love—let’s cook this together. It might just be your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: A velvety parmesan sauce infused with garlic and butter makes every bite indulgent.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Savory, buttery chicken meets al dente pasta in a luxurious, cheesy sauce.
• One-Pan Wonder: You can make the sauce and chicken in one skillet for easy cleanup.
• Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the pasta, or tweak the seasonings to make it your own.
• Better Than Takeout: Tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal but made right at home!

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• Large Pot – To boil the rigatoni.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring everything together.
• Colander – To drain the pasta.
• Grater – For fresh parmesan (always better than pre-shredded).

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this creamy, dreamy pasta (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To season the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning – A flavorful mix of dried herbs to enhance the chicken.
• Butter – Gives the chicken that rich, golden sear.
• Garlic (Minced) – Because no creamy pasta is complete without a garlicky kick.

For the Parmesan Sauce:

• Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor and thins out the sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious, creamy texture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – The star of the sauce, making it cheesy and rich.

For the Pasta:

• Rigatoni Pasta – Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley (For Garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt more butter and add the minced garlic.
2. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan.
4. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
5. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to melt and combine.

(At this point, the sauce should be thick and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.)

Step 4: Bring It All Together

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
2. Add the drained rigatoni, tossing everything together until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
2. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is already rich and satisfying, but you can elevate it even further with these serving ideas:

Best Side Dishes:

• Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned, they add a fresh bite to the meal.

Topping Ideas:

• Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea!
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A little spice enhances the creamy sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a subtle kick, sprinkle some on top.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Want to switch things up? Here are some great variations:

Protein Variations:

• Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Salmon: Flaky salmon adds a rich, buttery contrast.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces add a smoky crunch.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.

Cheese Options:

• Asiago or Pecorino Romano: For a sharper, nuttier cheese flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melts beautifully into the sauce for extra creaminess.

Make It Spicy:

• Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bold, smoky heat.
• Chili Flakes: A quick sprinkle of heat.
• Hot Sauce: Mix in a few dashes for a kick.

Make It Lighter:

• Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream: For a slightly less rich sauce.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess with a little tang.
• Zucchini Noodles or Whole Wheat Pasta: A healthier pasta alternative.

Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Want to enjoy leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

How to Store:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat:

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	~650 kcal
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	17g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	850mg

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni works great for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can also use penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker?

If you want an even thicker sauce, you can:

• Add an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
• Simmer the sauce a little longer.
• Stir in a slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).

How Do I Make It Spicier?

• Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Stir in hot sauce or Cajun seasoning.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan.

Can I Freeze This?

Yes, but the cream-based sauce might slightly separate upon thawing. To fix this, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavors and satisfying textures. With tender chicken, a velvety Parmesan-infused sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s an easy yet impressive meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

Best of all, it’s highly customizable—swap the protein, tweak the spices, or add veggies to make it your own. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.