Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a sumptuous yet simple dinner, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce. This dish brings together tender chicken, al dente rigatoni pasta, and a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce infused with garlic and butter, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner with flavors that feel indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless yet gourmet: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish feels like a fancy restaurant entree without the fuss.
• Rich, creamy flavor: The savory garlic butter and Parmesan sauce bring an irresistible creaminess to every bite.
• Perfectly balanced: Tender chicken pairs beautifully with rigatoni, absorbing all that luscious sauce for maximum taste.
• Weeknight winner: Easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests.
• Customizable comfort: You can swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or whatever’s on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce truly shine. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture that bring the dish to life.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay juicy for a tender main protein.
• Rigatoni pasta: Its tubular shape traps the sauce wonderfully, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
• Butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its signature aromatic punch.
• Heavy cream: Creates the silky base of the Parmesan sauce that’s both decadent and smooth.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing its iconic sharp and nutty flavor.
• Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and adds savory depth without overpowering.
• Olive oil: Used for searing chicken to a golden brown crust.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor note.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

This recipe easily adapts to suit your cravings or dietary preferences while keeping that creamy, garlicky goodness intact. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts to maintain the richness without meat.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creaminess.
• Low-carb option: Replace rigatoni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta for a lighter meal.
• Herb twist: Mix basil or thyme into the sauce for fresh herbal layers.
• Cheese variations: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper or nuttier flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Pour in chicken broth, then add the heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Combine

Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and cook for another couple of minutes to marry all the flavors. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss gently to coat in the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Slice the chicken if desired, serve over the rigatoni, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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

• Don’t overcook chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy, tender results.
• Reserve pasta water: Save some starchy cooking water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be powdery; fresh-grated melts better and tastes richer.
• Control garlic intensity: Adjust the number of cloves to your preference to avoid overpowering the sauce.
• Keep heat moderate: Simmer gently to prevent the cream from curdling and preserve its silky texture.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves over the dish for a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the creamy sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Pair this rich meal with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the chicken sliced atop a nest of rigatoni in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra sauce around the edges, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well but keep pasta separate if possible for best texture. Freeze sauce and chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Avoid microwaving at high heat which can dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal due to its shape and size, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work beautifully with this Parmesan sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute rigatoni with gluten-free pasta. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add extra flavor and juiciness. Adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring they’re cooked through.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan substitute to keep it creamy and delicious.

What’s the best way to get a rich sauce without it being too heavy?

Use a moderate amount of heavy cream balanced with chicken broth, and don’t over-thicken the sauce by simmering gently.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so cozy and luxurious about Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between quick weeknight cooking and restaurant-worthy indulgence, making it your new go-to comfort food. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable meal!

Related Posts

• Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet
• Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Print