Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

My latest culinary adventure, a creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in parmesan sauce, promises pure comfort on a plate.

Hearty pasta spirals dance with tender chicken pieces in a luxurious sauce that whispers Italian elegance.

Garlic’s aromatic magic weaves through each delectable bite, creating layers of rich, complex flavor.

Home cooks searching for an impressive yet straightforward dinner will adore this recipe’s simplicity.

Pantry staples merge into something extraordinary, turning an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Smooth parmesan embraces each ingredient, crafting a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can become an unforgettable meal that makes everyone at the table smile.

Variations to Try with Chicken Rigatoni

• Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun spice blend, add red pepper flakes for heat, and mix in diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, use fresh oregano and thyme instead of parsley.
• Mushroom Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with garlic before adding broth, use a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses for deeper taste.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta: Add fresh lemon zest and juice to the sauce, mix in chopped fresh basil and chives, use white wine instead of chicken broth for complexity.

What Goes Best with Garlic Butter Rigatoni

• Complement Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to balance the creamy, rich sauce with its light, refreshing acidity.
• Serve Herbed Focaccia Bread: Pair with a warm, herb-infused Italian bread to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce and add texture contrast.
• Match Zesty Arugula Salad: Create a bright, peppery side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a fresh counterpoint.
• Enhance with Roasted Garlic Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to add nutrition and complement the garlic undertones of the main dish.

Storage Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Rigatoni

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces as they may separate.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.

Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the chicken and pasta reach 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter quantity. Choose chicken breast for a leaner protein option.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink centers.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to maintain the pasta’s texture and prevent sauce separation.

Parmesan Perfection: Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Boost Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary meals into restaurant-quality experiences with this simple yet delicious chicken and pasta recipe that brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a complete meal in just a few steps, using minimal ingredients and one skillet for fast and convenient cooking without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver creamy, cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner nights where everyone craves satisfying flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with other proteins or adding extra vegetables to suit different dietary preferences and keep meals exciting and varied.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Rigatoni Pasta: A tubular pasta shape that helps capture the creamy sauce in its ridges and hollow center.

• Chicken Pieces: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the creamy dish and absorbs the flavorful seasonings.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth sauce with deep, comforting flavor.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that add depth and complexity to the chicken and sauce.

• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps build the sauce's foundation and adds extra flavor to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Stepwise Rigatoni and Chicken Preparation Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Drop the rigatoni into a pot of bubbling water. Follow the package guidelines for perfect pasta texture.

Once cooked, drain and set aside, ready for the flavor magic.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet and melt butter until it sizzles.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches full doneness. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add another pat of butter. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its aromatic charm for about a minute.

Step 4: Build the Broth Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to capture all the delicious browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth masterpiece.

Allow it to bubble gently for a few minutes.

Step 6: Marry the Ingredients

Return the golden chicken to the skillet.

Add the waiting rigatoni and toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips to Maximize Flavor in Garlic Butter Rigatoni

• Slightly undercook rigatoni by 1-2 minutes for a firmer texture that holds sauce better when mixed with creamy ingredients.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Grate fresh Parmesan for smoother, more flavorful sauce compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Crush garlic slightly before mincing to release more intense flavor and aromatic compounds.
• If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out while maintaining rich flavor.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken dances with rigatoni in a luscious parmesan sauce, creating an irresistible Italian-inspired comfort meal. Creamy, rich flavors meld together, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every forkful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) rigatoni pasta

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil the rigatoni in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
4. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, leaving residual butter in the skillet.
5. Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in remaining butter for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping browned bits from bottom. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce by one-third.
7. Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
8. Gently fold cooked chicken and rigatoni into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coating.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for vibrant color and enhanced flavor.
10. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and glossy.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by toasting garlic gently to prevent burning and release its rich, nutty essence without bitterness.
• Slice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking, ensuring each bite is tender and perfectly seasoned throughout the dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior melting and deeper, more complex flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rigatoni without compromising the creamy sauce’s deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 677 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 674 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg