There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, al dente rigatoni, and a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce makes this a dish you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or a family gathering, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes this dish truly special is the balance of flavors—the savory garlic butter, the creamy Parmesan sauce, and the perfectly seasoned chicken all come together beautifully. The ridges on the rigatoni capture the sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

So, if you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under an hour, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is just what you need. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Indulgent – The luscious Parmesan sauce coats every piece of pasta for a rich and satisfying dish.
• Quick & Easy – Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients make this a stress-free dinner.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, garlicky goodness of this dish.
• Great for Meal Prep – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• Water and salt for boiling

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

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, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained rigatoni and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy!

Helpful Tips for the Best Creamy Rigatoni

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan can be grainy and won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated cheese creates a silkier texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cooking the rigatoni al dente ensures it holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency – If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
• Make it Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
• Use a Different Pasta Shape – While rigatoni works great for holding onto the sauce, you can also use penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Pasta Water Trick: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This also helps the sauce cling better to the rigatoni.
• Season to Taste: The Parmesan cheese adds a natural saltiness, so always taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
• Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives a richer, creamier sauce compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Storage Tip: The sauce may thicken when refrigerated. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir well to bring back its creamy consistency.
• Cooking Chicken Evenly: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, cut the pieces into similar sizes. This prevents smaller pieces from overcooking while waiting for the larger ones to finish.
• Customize It: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if needed, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Extra Cheesy Option: If you love extra cheesy pasta, mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for an even richer sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and may even be juicier than chicken breast.

Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?

To make it a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap some of the heavy cream for more milk. Keep in mind, this may slightly change the richness of the sauce.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions to this pasta.

How Do I Make It More Cheesy?

If you’re a cheese lover, you can stir in an extra ½ cup of Parmesan or even add a handful of shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, as they can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat gently with added milk or cream.

Related Recipes

If you love this creamy pasta, here are some other dishes you might enjoy:

• One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta: Comfort in Every Bite
• Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Creamy, Savory, and So Satisfying!
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
• Sweet Pepper and Beef Sausage Pasta

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even guests, this dish is sure to impress.

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