Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the kind of comforting pasta dinner that feels restaurant-quality while still being simple enough for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, creamy Parmesan, and hearty rigatoni come together in one satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich garlic butter flavor with creamy Parmesan sauce
- Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors
- Great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for another minute, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the rigatoni.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier pasta dish.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Nut-free
Notes
- Rigatoni works especially well because the sauce fills the pasta tubes beautifully.
- You can substitute penne or ziti if needed.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best pasta for this recipe?
Rigatoni is ideal because it holds the creamy garlic butter sauce very well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for a quicker version.
How do I keep the Parmesan sauce smooth?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir it in gradually over low heat.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, although cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing.
What vegetables pair well with this recipe?
Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a creamy pasta dinner made with tender chicken, garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes for an easy family meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners and comforting pasta cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for another minute, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rigatoni works especially well because the sauce fills the pasta tubes beautifully.
- You can substitute penne or ziti if needed.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food dinner with rich flavors, tender chicken, and creamy pasta in every bite. Whether you are cooking for family dinner or serving guests, this easy pasta recipe delivers satisfying flavor with minimal effort.