Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

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There are few things in life more satisfying than a forkful of creamy rigatoni twirled around tender, golden-browned chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter. This dish brings comfort food to the next level with every cheesy, savory bite. It has that restaurant-quality feel but is surprisingly simple to pull off at home.

The Alfredo sauce is velvety and lush, clinging beautifully to every piece of rigatoni and hugging the juicy chicken with its cheesy embrace. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a cozy meal for the family, this recipe delivers that soul-warming, flavor-packed punch that satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

You’ll love how quick and adaptable this meal is. It’s made with everyday ingredients but still manages to taste gourmet. The chicken is seared to perfection, locking in moisture while the garlic butter infuses each bite with bold flavor. The rigatoni gives you those perfect al dente pasta pockets for the Alfredo to settle into. It’s creamy, cheesy, and buttery all in one go.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence, this dish is a repeat-worthy favorite. Plus, it reheats like a dream—perfect for leftovers.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe, but boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully too if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite. The key is cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and absorb all that delicious garlic butter.

Opt for fresh chicken over frozen if you can—the texture stays firmer, and it sears better. Just be sure to pat it dry before cooking to get that perfect golden crust.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

This dish balances richness with simplicity, using kitchen staples to create something extra special. Here are the key ingredients that bring it to life:

• Chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Minced garlic
• Rigatoni pasta
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley

The chicken breasts are the protein base, and they cook quickly in garlic butter for big flavor. A bit of salt and black pepper and garlic powder seasons the bites just right. Olive oil helps get that golden sear while unsalted butter builds richness. Minced garlic delivers that signature depth.

Rigatoni pasta is ideal here—its ridges catch the Alfredo sauce so well. Speaking of the sauce, it starts with heavy cream for luscious texture, then gets thickened and flavored with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley brightens everything up.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese gradually until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and adjust salt to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Rigatoni

Boil the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water, then drain.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together, letting the sauce coat every bite. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, give it one last stir, and serve hot. It’s cozy, cheesy, and totally craveable.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni

This cheesy rigatoni dish is perfect served straight from the skillet while it’s warm and saucy. You can plate it family-style in a large serving dish, or serve in individual bowls topped with extra Parmesan and a few parsley leaves for a fresh finish. It comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people, making it great for small gatherings or family dinners.

To store leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the pasta texture.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

The crispy, buttery crunch of garlic bread is the ultimate side to swipe through any leftover Alfredo sauce on your plate.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar salad with romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing provides the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the Alfredo sauce.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These caramelized sprouts add just the right amount of tang to balance the creaminess of the dish.

Caprese Salad

Slices of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and vibrant option.

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips

A crunchy bite that plays up the Parmesan already in your pasta, these chips are easy to bake while your rigatoni simmers.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

The zesty flavor of lemon with tender asparagus spears brightens up the whole plate.

Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime

Not a food, but a crisp drink like sparkling water with citrus helps refresh the palate between bites of richness.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If cheesy garlic butter chicken bites are your thing, you might want to check out these comforting, flavor-packed dishes next:

• Creamy Cajun Linguine with bold spices and a silky sauce.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a zesty, crispy twist.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli that mixes veggies and pasta in one dreamy skillet.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you’re into smoky flavor with a southern edge.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti that’s bubbling and golden from oven to table.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever you’re craving cozy, cheesy comfort food.

Let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you add mushrooms or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes? Maybe swapped in penne for rigatoni?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Ask away if you have any questions—we’re all here to cook and learn together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. With crispy seared chicken, garlic-infused butter, and a lush cheesy Alfredo, it’s a meal that brings warmth to the table every time. Easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests—this one’s a keeper.

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