If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s brimming with rich flavors, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect dish for you! This indulgent recipe combines tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s a blend of garlic, butter, and Parmesan. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a satisfying dinner, this dish checks all the boxes for taste, texture, and ease of preparation. Let’s dive into the details of making this irresistible meal!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

This recipe is a showstopper for several reasons:

Comforting and Hearty: The combination of chicken, pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce is the epitome of comfort food.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce infuses every bite with bold flavors, enhanced by the smoothness of heavy cream and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese.
Quick and Easy: Despite its rich and indulgent taste, this recipe is relatively simple to make. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family weeknight dinner, a dinner party, or a special date night, this dish is sure to wow your guests.

The marriage of creamy butter, garlic, and Parmesan sauce with the hearty rigatoni pasta and tender chicken breast makes for a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

To make this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb rigatoni pasta: This pasta shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, allowing each bite to be a perfect mix of noodles and sauce.
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Tender chicken cubes add protein and heartiness to the dish.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, adding flavor and helping with browning.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: The key to the rich and creamy garlic butter sauce.
6 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is essential for building the deep, savory flavor in the sauce.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: This gives the dish that aromatic herbaceous note.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of heat to balance the richness of the sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Provides the luxurious creamy texture in the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: The broth adds depth to the sauce, making it velvety and flavorful.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty flavor that’s quintessential to this dish.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture to the sauce.
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and irresistible!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Follow these simple steps to make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the rigatoni according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes for al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet, season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. You can cover it with foil to keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic will infuse the butter with its rich flavor, forming the base of the sauce.

Step 4: Add Cream and Chicken Broth

Next, stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce has simmered, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheeses have melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked rigatoni and the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir everything until well combined.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

To finish, garnish your creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give the sauce the best flavor. Avoid using garlic powder, as it won’t provide the same depth.
Customize the Seasonings: If you prefer a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, try incorporating sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes into the dish. These ingredients pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Make it Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that this will alter the richness of the sauce.
Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce provides approximately:

Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 2g

The combination of chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce makes this dish a satisfying meal, though it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its rich nature.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni, here are some other delicious recipes that might interest you:

These recipes are perfect for anyone who loves rich, cheesy pasta dishes with a savory, garlicky twist. They all share similar flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques, making them great options for your next meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parmesan garlic sauce made of?

Parmesan garlic sauce typically includes a blend of butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Some variations might include herbs like Italian seasoning or parsley for added flavor. The creamy base is thickened naturally as the cheese melts into the warm cream and butter mixture, creating a smooth, savory sauce.

What goes well with garlic butter chicken for dinner?

Garlic butter chicken pairs beautifully with pasta (like rigatoni), roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. Sides like steamed broccoli, asparagus, or buttery mashed potatoes can also help balance the richness of the dish while adding color and texture to your meal.

How do you make a creamy garlic sauce for chicken?

To make a creamy garlic sauce, start by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer gently, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer until thickened. You can add chicken broth or a touch of pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.

What is creamy garlic sauce made of?

Creamy garlic sauce is usually made from a base of butter and minced garlic, combined with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s sometimes enriched with chicken broth, mozzarella cheese, or herbs for extra depth and creaminess. The result is a velvety, flavorful sauce that complements chicken, seafood, or pasta dishes.

Can you reheat creamy chicken?

Yes, you can reheat creamy chicken, but it’s best to do so gently. Use a skillet over low heat and stir frequently to maintain the smooth texture of the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With tender chicken, creamy garlic butter sauce, and pasta coated in melted Parmesan and mozzarella, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this dish will definitely impress. Try it out today and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness that’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, creamy, and savory dish featuring juicy chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a decadent garlic butter sauce with melted Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion meal!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chicken cubes, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Cream & Broth: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Cheese: Mix in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Combine All: Add cooked rigatoni and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Substitutes: You can use gluten-free pasta if needed. For a lighter version, try substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat option.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, but you can reheat gently and stir to combine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 635 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 645mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 115mg