Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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Garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan is one of those dishes that just speaks comfort food fluently. Tender pieces of golden chicken nestled into ridged rigatoni pasta, all brought together with a luscious garlic butter sauce and a blanket of freshly grated parmesan. It’s creamy, it’s savory, and it comes with that irresistible hint of garlic that makes every bite just right.

This meal is a weeknight hero and weekend showstopper all at once. Whether you’re serving it to family, meal prepping for yourself, or impressing friends at a casual dinner party, this pasta dish hits all the marks. It’s rich without being too heavy, easy to make but still incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

From the very first taste, you’ll see why this dish belongs in your regular rotation. The rigatoni holds onto the garlicky butter sauce perfectly, making every forkful full of flavor. The juicy chicken is pan-seared to lock in its moisture, and when combined with parmesan, it becomes pure comfort. It’s a one-skillet wonder that keeps cleanup easy and time in the kitchen minimal.

Plus, it’s completely customizable. Prefer shrimp or mushrooms instead of chicken? Go for it. Want to sneak in spinach or peas? They’ll slide in beautifully.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

For the most flavor, freshly grated parmesan is the way to go. Skip the pre-shredded stuff, which doesn’t melt as smoothly and can have additives that dull its taste. A wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano will bring salty, nutty depth to your sauce and elevate the whole dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-grated, but it’s worth shaving it fresh if you can.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

When it comes to making this dish, the ingredients are simple but each one brings bold flavor to the table. The beauty of garlic butter chicken is that it doesn’t take a lot to taste like a lot. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Rigatoni pasta
• Garlic cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

The chicken is your protein base, and it becomes incredibly tender when seared and then simmered. Rigatoni is ideal for this dish because the ridges catch all that creamy sauce. Garlic and butter are the heart of the flavor, while olive oil helps get that perfect sear. Parmesan brings that salty umami punch, and heavy cream and chicken broth balance richness with depth. Seasonings tie it all together, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a touch of brightness.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water until just al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in grated parmesan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the cooked rigatoni. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the right consistency. Simmer for a few minutes until everything is coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with more parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This dish is best served fresh off the stove, with the sauce still hot and clinging to every curve of rigatoni. It feeds about 4 hungry people, but can easily stretch to 6 if you’re serving with a salad or sides.

For storing, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy consistency and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with crusty garlic bread to scoop up extra sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A pan of simply roasted broccoli adds color and a mild bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with a lemony dressing brings a refreshing bite to balance the richness.

Sautéed Spinach

Wilted greens with a touch of garlic and olive oil make for a wholesome side.

Grilled Asparagus

This veggie side adds texture and a smoky char that works well here.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a bright and juicy contrast.

Herbed Focaccia

If you’re feeling fancy, serve slices of fluffy herbed focaccia for an upgraded dinner experience.

Lemon Green Beans

Lightly cooked green beans tossed in lemon butter provide a fresh snap to the meal.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan, then you need to check out these crave-worthy pasta dishes too:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex twist on classic comfort.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine with bold spices and a silky finish.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that keeps things simple without skimping on flavor.
• Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli when you’re craving creamy and green.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for extra indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in mushrooms or swap the rigatoni? Did you go extra on the garlic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook better, not just faster.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavor-packed weeknight meals.

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken with rigatoni and parmesan brings together comfort, simplicity, and a bit of indulgence into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a cozy bowl of pasta, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and you’ll have a new go-to pasta favorite ready to make again and again.

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