The Best Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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Creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the kind of weeknight comfort food you’ll want to make again and again. The magic starts with golden seared chicken, coated in a garlic butter sauce that’s rich without being too heavy, all tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni that soaks up every bit of that savory goodness.

It’s a one-pan dream with a short prep time and a bold payoff. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers serious satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s simple yet indulgent, and every bite brings a cozy, homemade vibe.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This dish brings together everything we love about hearty pasta meals: bold flavor, juicy protein, and a garlic-forward creaminess that doesn’t overwhelm. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like comfort but tastes gourmet. With a fast cook time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s also realistic for busy weeknights. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Rigatoni is ideal here for a few reasons: its ridges hold onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully, and its firm bite makes it a satisfying match for chunks of chicken. That said, if you don’t have rigatoni on hand, penne or ziti can also work well. Just avoid overly thin pastas like angel hair, which won’t carry the sauce as nicely.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

To make the most flavorful garlic butter chicken rigatoni, you only need a handful of ingredients that work together in harmony. Each one plays an essential role in building up layers of savory richness and silky texture that coat the rigatoni just right.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer gently to thicken, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Rigatoni

While the sauce simmers, boil the rigatoni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the seared chicken back into the sauce, then toss in the cooked rigatoni. Stir everything gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you love it cheesy. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy garlic butter bliss.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is best served immediately, fresh from the skillet, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta still holds its perfect texture. The dish makes enough to feed about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes, making it a great option for family dinners or entertaining guests.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick. It’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of that savory sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

The earthy char of roasted broccoli balances the richness of the pasta and adds some vibrant green to your plate.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing is a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a bright and tangy side.

Sauteed Green Beans

Lightly sauteed green beans with lemon zest or slivered almonds give crunch and freshness.

Antipasto Skewers

Fun and festive, skewers of olives, cheese, cherry tomatoes, and cured meats bring a playful Italian touch.

White Wine

If you enjoy wine, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the buttery richness beautifully.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this garlic butter chicken rigatoni hit the spot, you’re in for a treat with these other mouthwatering pasta creations from the blog:

• Try the ultra-cozy Cheesy Baked Ziti for a bubbling dish of pure comfort.
• Craving spice? Creamy Cajun Linguine delivers bold flavors in every bite.
• For a lighter option, the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli is packed with veggies and still ultra-satisfying.
• Keep things simple with a quick Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a citrusy twist.
• Or dive into the cozy vibes of One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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 add mushrooms or a splash of wine? Did you serve it with a salad or keep it cozy with garlic bread?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to these dishes. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s swap kitchen stories.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is one of those meals that feels like a reward at the end of a long day. It’s rich, savory, easy to make, and even easier to love. If you’re after a dinner that delivers both flavor and comfort without fuss, this one’s for you. Give it a try tonight and see why it might just become a regular in your weekly rotation.

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