Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

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This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce is what pasta dreams are made of. Think golden garlic-butter seared chicken tossed with tender rigatoni, swimming in a lusciously creamy Alfredo sauce. Add in a mountain of melty cheese and you’ve got a comfort meal that speaks directly to your soul.

It’s the kind of dish you whip up when you’re craving something indulgent and don’t want to settle for boring. Each bite is rich and satisfying, thanks to a harmony of textures and flavors: crispy edges on the chicken, silky Alfredo coating the pasta, and melted cheese stretching with every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe is built for comfort and crowd-pleasing. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for casual dinner parties. The garlic butter base infuses deep flavor, the Alfredo sauce brings richness, and the cheesy topping guarantees smiles all around. Plus, rigatoni holds sauce like a champion, making every bite deliciously creamy.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully for this dish. If you like leaner meat, breasts are a great option. For a juicier, more flavorful result, thighs will win your heart. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they sear quickly and soak up all the garlicky buttery goodness.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Let’s talk ingredients. This dish comes together with a handful of familiar favorites that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one brings its own delicious purpose to the table.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Boneless chicken breast or thighs
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper

Rigatoni gives you those perfect ridges and hollows to hold onto the sauce. Chicken adds hearty protein and absorbs the garlic butter beautifully. Garlic, of course, is the aromatic backbone of this dish. Butter and olive oil create the rich base for searing and sauce-building. Heavy cream is what makes the Alfredo lush and velvety, while parmesan adds that signature tang. Mozzarella melts like a dream for gooey satisfaction. A touch of Italian seasoning brings balance, and salt and pepper round out the flavors.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Base

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Boil rigatoni until al dente, then drain and add to the skillet. Toss to coat every piece in the sauce.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Add the cooked chicken back in, letting the flavors mingle for a few minutes.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Top everything with shredded mozzarella and cover until melted. For a golden finish, you can also broil it briefly in the oven.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

While this dish is pretty forgiving, a few small missteps can affect the final flavor and texture. One common issue is overcooking the chicken. It only needs a few minutes on each side to stay juicy and tender. If you wait for it to get too brown, you might end up with dry bites.

Another trap is rushing the Alfredo sauce. If the cream isn’t simmered gently or the cheese is added too quickly, you risk curdling or graininess. Keep your heat moderate and whisk as you go to keep it silky. Finally, always salt your pasta water. It’s the only chance to season the pasta itself, and bland noodles will dull your final dish.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Rigatoni Dish

This recipe makes enough to feed about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. It’s a satisfying one-dish meal but also pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread if you want a more complete spread.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

Classic, crusty, and made to soak up all that leftover Alfredo sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp, tangy greens are a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Add a bit of green and some charred goodness to balance the richness.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella on a stick keeps things light and fun.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick and simple, spinach adds earthiness and nutrients to the meal.

Lemon Asparagus

The brightness of lemon and the snap of asparagus bring a fresh twist.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized sprouts with a tangy finish? Yes please.

A Glass of Chardonnay

Creamy dishes love a buttery white wine to round them out.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re smitten with this cheesy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, there’s more where that came from. These other comforting pasta dishes bring bold flavors and easy prep to your dinner routine:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for another silky garlic-forward experience.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spice.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti if you love slow-cooked comfort meals.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for those wanting a switch from chicken.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you’re in the mood for something heartier.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And when you make it, let me know in the comments how it went. Did you go extra on the cheese? Add a dash of chili flakes? Maybe tried a different pasta?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Questions are always welcome, too — let’s make weeknight cooking easier and more delicious together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more cozy meals on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next dinner favorite!

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce is everything comfort food should be: warm, rich, and loaded with bold flavor. It doesn’t take much to make, but it delivers big on taste. Whether it becomes a weeknight staple or your go-to when guests come over, one thing’s for sure — it’ll be a hit every single time.

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