Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 12 ounces rigatoni pasta; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cloves minced garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

by Jannet Lisa

4 de May de 2025

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This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce recipe combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort – making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.

While many pasta recipes can feel basic or uninspired, this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni elevates everyday ingredients into a memorable meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of garlic-infused butter, tender chicken, and the perfect al dente rigatoni creates a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to make.

The Best Reasons to Try This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

• Quick weeknight wonder – Have this easy creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni ready to serve in under 30 minutes
• Pantry-friendly recipe – Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand
• One-pot simplicity – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor payoff
• Customizable comfort food – Easily adapt with vegetables or different protein options
• Impressive enough for guests – Presents beautifully despite the simple preparation
• Kid-approved pasta dish – The creamy, mild flavors appeal to even picky eaters

Even beginner cooks can master this foolproof recipe. The step-by-step method ensures your creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni turns out perfectly every time, whether it’s your first attempt or your fiftieth.

What You Need to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

For this delicious dish, gather these essential ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 12 ounces rigatoni pasta, 4 tablespoons butter, 6 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.

Easy substitutions: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor, or use penne if rigatoni isn’t available. Vegetarians can replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Half-and-half works in place of heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

The key components of this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni are the quality of your Parmesan (use freshly grated for best results) and properly seasoned chicken. These must-have basics for perfect creamy parmesan sauce ensure your dish has that restaurant-quality taste you’re looking for.

How to make delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce easily at home

Step-by-Step How-To Guide for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Chicken

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Meanwhile, cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season liberally with salt and pepper.

Tip: For the most flavorful pasta, use water that “tastes like the sea” – about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes without disturbing, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown outside and no longer pink inside. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook chicken in batches if needed for proper browning.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Using the same skillet (without cleaning it), reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Tip: Burned garlic turns bitter, so watch carefully during this quick step.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom (these add incredible flavor). Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce reduce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Incorporate the Parmesan

Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Tip: Add cheese off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Step 6: Combine and Finish the Dish

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then drain the pasta (reserving ½ cup pasta water) and add directly to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated, adding splashes of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired before serving immediately.

Tip: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after combining – this allows the pasta to absorb some sauce and flavors to meld perfectly.

Nutritional Info Snapshot

• Calories: Approximately 620 per serving
• Protein: 38g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 49g per serving
• Fat: 29g per serving

This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. For a lower-carb version, reduce the pasta amount and add extra vegetables. The dish provides excellent protein from the chicken and cheese, making it satisfying and filling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This creamy pasta dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator storage: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight!

Freezer storage: While possible to freeze for up to 1 month, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta.

Reheating methods:

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or cream if sauce needs thinning.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a few tablespoons of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce.

Tip: When reheating, the sauce will thicken considerably. Having extra cream or broth on hand helps restore its original consistency.

Top FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Can I make this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Alternatively, completely assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, but add an extra splash of cream before reheating as the pasta will absorb some sauce overnight.

What vegetables can I add to this creamy pasta dish?

This versatile recipe welcomes many vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and peas are excellent additions. For heartier vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, blanch them first before adding to the pasta. Add leafy greens like spinach at the final toss so they just wilt into the hot dish.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream for a lighter version?

Absolutely! While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute half-and-half or even a mixture of whole milk and cream cheese (4 oz cream cheese + ¾ cup milk) for a lighter but still creamy sauce. For dairy-free options, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

Why did my Parmesan sauce turn grainy?

Grainy sauce typically happens when the cheese is added to a sauce that’s too hot or boiling, causing the proteins to seize. To prevent this, always remove the skillet from heat or reduce to the lowest setting before adding cheese. Additionally, using pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents can cause graininess—freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly.

Wrapping It Up: Final Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Success

This best creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable. With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy meal that becomes a regular in your cooking rotation.

Remember that the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—high-quality Parmesan, fresh garlic, and properly cooked pasta make all the difference. Don’t rush the sauce reduction step, as this concentrates flavors and creates that silky texture everyone loves.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your experience or any creative additions you made to make this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni your own.

Save this recipe to your dinner collection—it’s one of those reliable, delicious meals that works for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Enjoy making your own homemade creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce anytime!