Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal. Tender chicken bites are pan-seared in garlic butter and tossed with creamy Alfredo and rigatoni pasta. It’s a rich, easy weeknight dinner recipe with bold flavor, perfect for family meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.
3. Lower heat and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add heavy cream to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning.
5. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
6. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat, using reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh chicken for better searing and texture.
Don’t skip the garlic—it makes the sauce deeply flavorful.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 150mg