There’s something truly magical about a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan fits the bill perfectly. In our family, dishes like this aren’t just meals—they’re moments. Whether it’s the first chilly evening of fall or a casual Sunday night when everyone gathers around the table in their comfiest clothes, this dish always makes its way into our hearts (and our plates).
Garlic butter has a way of weaving richness and depth into every bite, while the tender chicken and hearty rigatoni create a foundation that’s satisfying and familiar. And let’s not forget the Parmesan, which brings everything together with its nutty, salty goodness. This recipe reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where pasta was a love language and no one ever left the table without seconds.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family (or just yourself!), you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Comforting: The garlic butter sauce coats every piece of chicken and rigatoni beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Night: Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend, this dish fits right in.
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids, picky eaters, and foodies alike will all be asking for seconds.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables or extra cheese to make it your own.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN WITH RIGATONI AND PARMESAN:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water in case you need it to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. That buttery, garlicky aroma filling the kitchen? Pure happiness.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and turn the sauce silky smooth.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni, tossing everything together so every piece is coated with that luscious garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like (and trust me, you’ll want to). Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Chicken Options: If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat.
- Cream Substitute: You can use half-and-half if you want a slightly lighter sauce.
- Save the Pasta Water: It’s magic for adjusting the sauce’s consistency without watering down the flavor.
- Fresh Garlic Tip: Always go for fresh garlic over jarred for the best flavor in this dish.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: Nut-Free
NOTES:
This dish tastes best when served immediately but is just as delicious reheated the next day. Perfect for meal prep or cozy leftovers!
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine would work great.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but the flavor will change slightly.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be amazing additions.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Simple—add more Parmesan or even stir in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish because the cream sauce can separate, but if you must, freeze without the pasta and add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Garlic Beef Pasta – A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
- Creamy Parmesan Beef with Rigatoni Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Beef Pasta
CONCLUSION
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan isn’t just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more. With its creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s impossible to resist. So whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe will never disappoint. Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Description
There’s something truly magical about a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan fits the bill perfectly. In our family, dishes like this aren’t just meals—they’re moments. Whether it’s the first chilly evening of fall or a casual Sunday night when everyone gathers around the table in their comfiest clothes, this dish always makes its way into our hearts (and our plates).
Garlic butter has a way of weaving richness and depth into every bite, while the tender chicken and hearty rigatoni create a foundation that’s satisfying and familiar. And let’s not forget the Parmesan, which brings everything together with its nutty, salty goodness. This recipe reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where pasta was a love language and no one ever left the table without seconds.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family (or just yourself!), you’re in the right place.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb rigatoni pasta
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water in case you need it to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. That buttery, garlicky aroma filling the kitchen? Pure happiness.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and turn the sauce silky smooth.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni, tossing everything together so every piece is coated with that luscious garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like (and trust me, you’ll want to). Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Notes
This dish tastes best when served immediately but is just as delicious reheated the next day. Perfect for meal prep or cozy leftovers!