Heavenly Garlic Butter Chicken & Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this garlic butter chicken rigatoni parmesan sauce delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Creamy, rich textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta.

The sauce whispers decadence with every bite, promising a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Each forkful brings together golden chicken and silky rigatoni in a dance of flavor and texture.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

What You Need for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: Robust tube-shaped pasta perfect for catching creamy sauce.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor and seasons cooking water.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs rich, garlic-infused flavors.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds deep, warming flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and helps balance creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings classic Mediterranean zest.

• Butter: Creates luxurious, silky base for sauce with rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides velvety texture and indulgent smoothness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, sharp taste and helps thicken sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create balanced liquid consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes extra creaminess and tangy undertone.

Tools to Make Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of room for water and rigatoni.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure reserved pasta water.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for cooking chicken and creating the creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken and any additional ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Instructions for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in rigatoni and cook until perfectly tender, following package directions. Save a splash of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.

• Prepare Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

• Create Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

• Build Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, coating each pasta tube generously.

• Combine and Serve

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes before plating and serving hot.

Tips for Richer Sauce and Tastier Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every rigatoni noodle.
• Chicken Browning Trick: Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavor and moisture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then quickly reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta for a stress-free meal.
• Dietary Swap Options: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version, or swap chicken for tofu to create a vegetarian alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Cheese Lover's Tip: Grate fresh Parmesan directly into the sauce for maximum flavor intensity and a more luxurious creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Rigatoni

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this rich pasta dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce.
• Rustic Table Setting: Serve in large, shallow bowls that showcase the golden chicken and creamy rigatoni, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the garlic and butter flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table, allowing guests to customize their plate with additional seasoning and heat.

How to Store Creamy Rigatoni Leftovers

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal the meal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Freezer Smart Strategy: Pack cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide meal into individual serving sizes for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use small glass containers with tight-fitting lids to keep ingredients fresh and prevent leakage.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 750 kcal

Servings: 4

Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Garlic butter chicken and rigatoni highlight Italy’s rich culinary heritage with a luxurious parmesan sauce. Home cooks can effortlessly craft this restaurant-quality pasta dish that promises comfort and bold Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 3 tbsps butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta (or penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• Salted water for boiling
• 1 cup chicken broth (or pasta water for extra flavor)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook rigatoni until perfectly al dente, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly dry chicken pieces and generously season with herbs and black pepper, creating a flavorful exterior for optimal taste and caramelization.
3. Searing Technique: Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, carefully placing chicken to develop a rich golden-brown crust, cooking until reaching safe internal temperature with occasional turning.
4. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing its intense fragrance to infuse the cooking environment, then add butter to create a luxurious sauce base.
5. Sauce Composition: Pour heavy cream into the garlic-butter mixture, whisking continuously while incorporating grated parmesan cheese to develop a silky, smooth sauce with perfect consistency.
6. Final Assembly: Combine cooked rigatoni with the creamy sauce, folding gently to ensure complete coating, and adjust sauce thickness using reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Serving Presentation: Nestle cooked chicken pieces into the creamy pasta, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional parmesan to elevate both visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Levels: Reserve pasta water strategically to adjust sauce consistency, preventing dry or overly thick sauce when reheating or mixing ingredients.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown caramelization, ensuring maximum flavor development and crispy exterior.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Gradually add parmesan cheese while continuously whisking to create smooth, silky sauce without unwanted lumpy textures.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat when adding garlic and creating sauce to prevent burning and preserve delicate flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg