Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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If comfort food had a love language, creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni would be fluent in it. This dish wraps tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a dreamy, velvety sauce infused with rich garlic butter and a hint of parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and tastes just as indulgent as it sounds.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with something irresistible yet simple, this pasta brings both flavor and ease to the table. With minimal prep and major payoff, it’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe is a celebration of creamy textures and savory garlic notes that meld beautifully with the tender bites of chicken. The butter adds a lush finish while the rigatoni provides the perfect ridged surface to catch every drop of sauce. It’s filling without being too heavy, and it’s equally good for a weeknight treat or casual entertaining.

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Rigatoni?

Absolutely. While rigatoni excels at holding onto the creamy sauce with its ridges and hollow center, you can easily swap it out for penne, ziti, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed into the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This dish might taste restaurant-level fancy, but the ingredients are humble and likely already in your kitchen. It’s a short list of staples that come together in the most comforting way.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Chicken breast
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley

These ingredients each play a vital role: the rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, the chicken adds protein and flavor, and the garlic butter is the foundation of the rich, aromatic sauce. Cream and parmesan build a silky texture, while broth adds depth. Olive oil gets the chicken golden, and parsley adds a touch of freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in grated parmesan and let it melt into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Keep the heat moderate and remove the chicken once it’s just done—remember it’ll simmer a bit more when combined with the sauce. Also, don’t rush the garlic in butter; low and slow brings out the best flavor without burning it. Finally, be sure to salt your pasta water and save some of it. That reserved water can make your sauce creamier and help it cling better to the pasta.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe feeds about four hungry people, and leftovers make an excellent next-day lunch. Serve it fresh with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and parsley. If you’re saving some for later, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, a splash of milk or cream helps revive the sauce’s creaminess.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery slice of garlic bread is always a win with pasta.

Caesar Salad

The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing are a perfect contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a fresh, earthy bite to round out your plate.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balance the creamy dish.

Lemon Butter Broccoli

Bright and zesty, broccoli helps cut through the richness.

Italian Sausage Bites

Add a little heat and protein variety on the side.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These bring bold flavor and a crispy texture to complement your meal.

White Wine

If you’re feeling fancy, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Creamy Goodness?

If this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni has won your heart, you’re going to fall hard for these other pasta creations:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a hearty, herby twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving more of that buttery garlic magic.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a slow-cooked, weeknight dream.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a flavor bomb that lives up to the hype.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood spin on creamy indulgence.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh parsley or dried? Did you add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Share your twist or ask away if anything was unclear—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

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Conclusion

Creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and ready in a flash. With a few pantry staples, you’ve got a meal that tastes like something special. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in.

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