Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan

There’s something magical about that first bite of creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce that just makes your shoulders drop with pure comfort. This recipe has been my family’s absolute favorite for years—the kind that brings everyone running to the table without calling twice! The rich, velvety sauce coating perfectly cooked rigatoni and juicy chicken creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re looking for an easy creamy garlic butter chicken pasta for a busy weeknight or hoping to impress guests with a homemade creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni masterpiece, this classic recipe delivers every time. The beautiful thing about this dish is how it balances indulgent flavors while still feeling like a complete meal—protein, pasta, and a sauce that will have everyone scraping their plates clean!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

✅ Ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen
✅ One-pan preparation for the sauce and chicken means minimal cleanup afterward
✅ Restaurant-quality taste at a fraction of the cost of dining out
✅ Incredibly versatile recipe that can be easily customized with vegetables or different proteins
✅ Kid-approved flavors that even picky eaters will devour
✅ Makes amazing leftovers that taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen
✅ The best way to make creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce at home with ingredients you likely already have
✅ Quick and easy creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce recipe that still feels special enough for company

This is the perfect comfort food recipe when you’re craving something rich and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use cornstarch for gluten-free option)
• 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1½ cups heavy cream (substitute half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but recommended)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The must-have ingredients for creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce are definitely the garlic, butter, heavy cream, and high-quality Parmesan cheese. These core components create that rich, creamy base that makes this dish unforgettable. For the best spices for creamy garlic butter chicken, don’t skip the Italian seasoning and paprika, which add depth to the chicken without overpowering the delicate sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes without disturbing to get a nice golden sear.

Step 4: Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t move the chicken too much while cooking! Letting it sear undisturbed creates that delicious golden crust that adds flavor to the entire dish.

Cooking the Pasta

Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like seawater – this is the secret to flavorful pasta!

Step 6: Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). The pasta should have a slight bite to it since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.

Step 7: Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining (this is your secret weapon for silky sauce consistency).

Step 8: Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it – that starch helps the sauce cling to each piece perfectly.

Creating the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 9: Return the same skillet used for the chicken to medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it!

Step 10: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this will thicken your sauce beautifully).

Step 11: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 12: Pour in the heavy cream, continuing to whisk, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Step 13: Reduce heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and silky.

Step 14: Add the sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is already quite salty, so taste as you go!

Bringing It All Together

Step 15: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices (that’s pure flavor!). Stir to coat in the sauce.

Step 16: Add the drained rigatoni directly to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated in that luscious creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 17: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and remove from heat. The residual heat will wilt the herbs just enough to release their aroma without losing their bright color.

Step 18: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving – this allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 19: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and if desired, a crack of fresh black pepper on top.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle a little good quality extra virgin olive oil over each serving just before bringing to the table.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

• Grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded – it melts much better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy
• Don’t rush the sauce thickening process – allowing it to simmer gently creates a more complex flavor profile
• Season in layers throughout the cooking process rather than just at the end for more developed flavor
• Pasta shape matters! Rigatoni’s ridges and tube shape are perfect for catching creamy sauce, but you can substitute penne or fettuccine in a pinch
• For a flavor variation, add 1 cup of baby spinach or 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms when you return the chicken to the skillet
• Can I prepare creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce ahead? You can prepare the components separately up to a day in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving for optimal texture
• What makes creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce extra special? The combination of real butter, fresh garlic, and high-quality Parmesan creates a depth of flavor that shortcuts simply can’t match

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

The best way to serve creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce is family-style, in a large, shallow pasta bowl that showcases all the components. This presentation encourages everyone to dig in and creates an inviting atmosphere around the table.

For a complete meal, serve alongside:

• A simple side salad with arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan
• Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf for sopping up extra sauce
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini for a green vegetable component
• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the adults

This dish is perfect for:

• Family dinners when you want something special but not fussy
• Date night at home (pair with candlelight and good wine!)
• Entertaining friends with a crowd-pleasing pasta that feels upscale
• Sunday meal prep – the flavors actually improve overnight

Nutritional Information

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

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 41g
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

Lighter Version Options:

• Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to save approximately 100 calories and 10g of fat per serving
• Use whole wheat rigatoni to increase the fiber content
• Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and increase the chicken broth slightly for a less rich but still flavorful sauce
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value while keeping the same satisfying taste

Storage & Leftovers

How to store creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce leftovers:

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers:

1. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
2. Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness
3. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken in the refrigerator
4. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
5. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through

The flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal!

4 FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Can I freeze creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this dish, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken in the sauce separately from the pasta. When reheating, prepare fresh pasta and combine with the thawed and reheated chicken and sauce. If freezing the complete dish, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and butter (1 cup milk + 2 tablespoons melted butter for each cup of heavy cream). For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor. Cashew cream (blended soaked cashews with water) is another excellent dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

This recipe is extremely versatile when it comes to adding vegetables. For best results, sauté firmer vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms after cooking the chicken but before making the sauce. For leafy greens like spinach or kale, stir them in during the final minute of cooking to just wilt them. Frozen peas can be added directly to the sauce and will cook quickly from the residual heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitution and often result in even more flavorful and tender meat. They typically take about the same amount of time to cook, though you may want to trim excess fat before cooking. The higher fat content of thighs makes them more forgiving if slightly overcooked, making them a great option for beginners or when you’re multitasking in the kitchen.

Conclusion

This best creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that balances rich flavors with everyday convenience. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that luscious garlic Parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels special enough for celebrations yet easy enough for weeknights.

What makes this recipe truly standout is how customizable it is – add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or play with different herbs to make it your own. The techniques used here (properly searing the chicken, creating a roux, gradually building the sauce) are fundamental cooking skills that will improve all your savory dishes.

I’d love to hear how this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni turned out for you! Did you make any modifications? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next comfort food craving!

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