Irresistible Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rigatoni Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

May 5, 2025

Updated:

May 5, 2025

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The aroma of sizzling garlic butter wafts through the air, mingling with the sound of boiling pasta. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a creamy sauce, all tangled up with rigatoni pasta. It’s not just dinner; it’s a hug on a plate—Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce to be exact. Fluffy Buttery Cloverleaf Rolls You can practically hear your taste buds dancing in anticipation of that first bite, while your family gathers around the table, ready for a culinary experience that is both comforting and delightful. For more inspiration, check out this crispy chicken alfredo recipe.

Now, let me take you back to a time when I attempted to impress my in-laws with my cooking prowess. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t pretty. But after countless trials and errors (and an accidental kitchen fire), I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for cozy weeknights or fancy gatherings alike. With its rich flavors and creamy textures, this dish has a way of bringing everyone together, making it ideal for everything from casual dinners to special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor explosion that will have you going back for seconds.
The rigatoni captures all that creamy goodness, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying.
It’s simple enough for beginner cooks while still impressive enough to serve to guests.
Plus, this dish is versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your hunger levels!
Fresh Garlic: Go for firm cloves; fresh garlic packs a punch in flavor and aroma.
Rigatoni Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is creamy delight.
Heavy Cream: The secret ingredient that makes everything rich and velvety; no substitutions here!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated works best—nothing beats that nutty flavor melting into the sauce.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness while enhancing richness.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps brown the chicken beautifully without sticking—it’s like liquid gold!

For the Sauce:

Chicken Broth: Low-sodium varieties keep things from getting too salty while adding depth of flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives your dish that classic Italian flair we all crave.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

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

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients—trust me, you don’t want to be running around mid-cooking like a headless chicken! Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince your garlic until it resembles tiny golden nuggets of joy.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and melted butter. Once hot, toss in the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes), then remove them from the pan and set aside—don’t worry; they’ll return!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer gently as you get lost in its aroma.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a luscious sauce. If you find yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan—you’re not alone!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together so each piece gets coated with that heavenly sauce—your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria!

Step 6: Serve Up! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter steak recipe recipe.

Transfer your masterpiece onto plates or bowls; sprinkle with more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra generous (and who wouldn’t?). Drizzle with any remaining sauce for presentation points.

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is not just another recipe; it’s an invitation for laughter-filled dinners, cozy nights at home, or even impressing those picky eaters who claim they’re too sophisticated for “just pasta.” So go ahead—indulge yourself!

You Must Know

This creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni in Parmesan sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
The combination of flavors will make your taste buds dance, while the simplicity of preparation will leave you feeling like a culinary genius.
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal results, start by searing the chicken until it’s golden brown. While the chicken cooks, boil the rigatoni until al dente, then prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce simultaneously. This multitasking will save you time and ensure everything is hot and delicious when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish! Swap out rigatoni for penne or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or fontina, to create your perfect creamy sauce.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps it juicy.
Always reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

A couple of weeks ago, I whipped up this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni for dinner guests. Their delighted expressions made my heart swell; they couldn’t believe how easy it was to make yet so impressive!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?

To make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce, gather the following ingredients: rigatoni pasta, chicken breasts, garlic, unsalted butter, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish. This dish combines rich flavors and creamy textures that will delight your taste buds. Make sure to use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best results.

How long does it take to prepare and cook Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?

Preparing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce takes about 10 minutes. Cooking the dish requires an additional 20-25 minutes. In total, you can have this flavorful meal ready in approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick yet satisfying option for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I substitute any ingredients in Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?

Yes! You can easily customize Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce to suit your preferences. For instance, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat rigatoni or substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu. Pesto Pinwheels for Side Dish You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s nutrition while maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

Is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. This makes it a convenient choice for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Conclusion for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce :

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a delightful meal that combines rich flavors with easy preparation. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, rigatoni, garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce, you can create a comforting dish that pleases everyone at your table. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe offers versatility and satisfaction. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving for that extra touch!

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