Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces rigatoni; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: tender chicken, luscious garlic butter sauce, and rigatoni cooked to perfection, all smothered in a rich Parmesan cream. If your mouth isn’t watering yet, it will be by the time you finish reading this recipe. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish is absolutely worth every bite.

This recipe is a personal favorite because it combines simple pantry ingredients with bold flavors that feel fancy but are totally achievable on a busy weeknight. Plus, who can resist a creamy Parmesan sauce with hints of garlic butter? Trust me, this will become one of your go-to recipes for when you need something quick, satisfying, and downright delicious.

The Story Behind Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Rigatoni has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, pasta night was a weekly tradition, and creamy sauces were a must. This recipe is inspired by my love for Italian comfort food but with a twist that combines the flavors of garlic butter chicken with a decadent Parmesan cream sauce.

Garlic butter is a classic pairing with chicken, and when you combine it with pasta, magic happens. The rigatoni absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a perfect bite every time. This dish is perfect for colder months when you want something warm and hearty, but honestly, it’s great year-round. It’s adaptable, approachable, and bursting with flavor.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to make it quicker without sacrificing any of the rich, creamy goodness. From experimenting with different pasta shapes to adjusting the seasoning, this version feels just right. And let’s not forget the Parmesan—it’s the star ingredient that ties everything together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni so irresistible. Each item plays an important role, and I’ll share tips to help you pick the best ones.

Rigatoni: This tubular pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you can’t find rigatoni, try penne or ziti.
Chicken breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. You can substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness of the dish. You’ll want high-quality butter for the best flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable here. They infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the creaminess won’t be quite the same.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning bring out the best flavors in the chicken and sauce.
Olive oil: A splash is used to sear the chicken and add extra richness to the dish.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t panic. You can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic in a pinch or use shredded mozzarella if you’re short on Parmesan. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—this recipe doesn’t require fancy tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

A large skillet or sauté pan
A pot for boiling pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Fine grater for Parmesan cheese

If you don’t have a large skillet, a medium-sized one works fine, but you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Also, if you don’t own a fine grater, a box grater will do the trick for grating Parmesan—just aim for the smallest holes.

Preparation Method

Cook the rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked rigatoni. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while searing to prevent it from becoming dry.
Use room-temperature butter: It melts more evenly and helps create a smoother sauce.
Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect its melting quality.
Reserve pasta water: It’s a lifesaver for thinning out the sauce without losing flavor.
Multitask: While the pasta cooks, prep your chicken and garlic to save time.

And if you accidentally make the sauce too thin, don’t worry—a little extra Parmesan will thicken it right up!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Low-carb version: Swap the rigatoni for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick of heat.
Seasonal adaptation: Incorporate fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

Personally, I love adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra tangy element—it’s a game-changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or even a glass of chilled white wine for the perfect meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid reheating on high heat as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 650
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 35g

While this isn’t a low-calorie meal, it’s packed with protein and calcium from the chicken and Parmesan. Garlic is also known for its immune-boosting properties, so you can feel good about indulging in this comforting dish!

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re craving something rich or need a quick dinner idea, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own! Drop a comment below with your favorite adaptations or share a photo of your creation. Let’s keep the pasta love going—happy cooking!

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, ziti, or even fettuccine work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What if the sauce is too thick?

Thin it out with reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate when reheated. It’s better to enjoy this dish fresh or store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe in 30 Minutes