Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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The moment I stirred the velvety parmesan sauce into the skillet and watched it coat each piece of rigatoni, I knew I had created something special. This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce has quickly become a go-to comfort meal in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dinner that draws everyone to the table with its inviting aroma and keeps them there for seconds.

What I love most is how effortlessly this dish brings together rich, garlicky butter, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rigatoni in one luxurious sauce. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, and it always delivers big on flavor. Whether it’s a quiet night at home or a casual dinner with friends, this pasta never fails to impress.

The balance between creamy and savory is spot-on, with garlic and parmesan playing the leading roles. It reminds me of other creamy favorites like my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or the deeply flavorful Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. If you’re looking to dive into cozy pasta dishes, you won’t want to miss my Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach either.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This dish wraps you in a blanket of comfort. The garlic butter gives the chicken a rich, golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. The rigatoni captures the creamy sauce in every ridge, making each bite irresistible. With just the right amount of parmesan for a nutty, salty finish, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly at home. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious.

Ingredients

Rigatoni: This pasta’s ridged surface is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.

Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and quick to cook, chicken breast is the protein centerpiece that pairs beautifully with garlic and parmesan.

Garlic: Essential for the rich base flavor. It infuses the butter and adds that signature aroma and depth.

Butter: Melted butter creates the base for the sauce and helps sear the chicken, giving it a golden, flavorful crust.

Heavy Cream: It brings the creaminess that makes this dish indulgent. A little goes a long way in making the sauce velvety.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor, parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich depth and helps thicken the sauce.

Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.

Parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and slice.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and whisk until smooth. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything to coat well, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes over low heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can switch up the protein by using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. If you’re in the mood for seafood, shrimp is a lovely alternative that pairs well with the creamy parmesan sauce. For a vegetarian twist, roasted mushrooms or spinach work beautifully to add depth and heartiness without the meat.

To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. And for a different flavor profile, try grating in some Pecorino Romano alongside or instead of parmesan. Rigatoni can also be swapped with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta dish is rich and comforting, so I like to serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance things out. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices make excellent sides to mop up any extra sauce. For a beverage pairing, a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

If you’re feeding a crowd, this dish sits well on a buffet table and stays delicious even as it cools a bit, making it a great choice for potlucks or family dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval to avoid drying it out.

You can also freeze this dish, but for best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.

FAQs

How do I keep Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating and warm it over low heat. Stir gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. This helps maintain the sauce’s silky texture and keeps the pasta from soaking up too much liquid.

What can I use instead of rigatoni in Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce?

Penne, ziti, or fettuccine are great alternatives. Just choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Is Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce spicy?

Not at all. It’s rich and savory with no heat, but you can always add red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re drawn to creamy, flavor-packed pasta dishes, don’t miss out on trying the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. It has similar comfort-food appeal with a slightly different pasta twist. You might also love the Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a heartier option.

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