When comfort food and elegance come together, you get this Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Each forkful is loaded with rich, creamy cheese and garlicky, juicy chicken that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish brings together perfectly cooked rigatoni, seared chicken coated in parmesan, and a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite.

The magic lies in the contrast: the chewy pasta, the crisp edges of the garlic-infused chicken, and the luscious sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re serving this on a cozy weeknight or to impress guests on a weekend, it’s guaranteed to be a plate-cleaner every time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This recipe is more than just a pasta dish. It’s a flavor-packed, one-skillet masterpiece that delivers all the comfort of a casserole with the elegance of a bistro-style dinner. The garlic parmesan chicken adds protein and a savory punch, while the cheesy rigatoni makes the meal irresistibly rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for special occasions.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is the perfect choice for this dish because its ridges hold onto the creamy cheese sauce like a dream. If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, penne or ziti can work as alternatives, but the structure and bite of rigatoni really make this dish shine. Look for bronze-cut pasta if you can—it clings to sauce even better.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

The heart of this recipe lies in a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients that bring it all to life. Each component plays a special role in creating a layered, flavorful pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting to eat.

Rigatoni Pasta
Chicken Breasts
Parmesan Cheese
Garlic Cloves
Heavy Cream
Butter
Olive Oil
Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Parsley

Rigatoni Pasta gives this dish its hearty base and holds the sauce perfectly. Chicken Breasts are sliced thin for quick cooking and seasoned generously for flavor. Parmesan Cheese adds a sharp, nutty depth and forms the golden crust on the chicken. Garlic Cloves infuse the entire dish with rich, aromatic warmth. Heavy Cream creates that luscious sauce, while Butter rounds it out with richness. Olive Oil helps sear the chicken to golden perfection. Mozzarella Cheese gives that gooey, stretchy finish. Italian Seasoning adds herbaceous flavor, and Salt and Pepper balance it all. Finally, a sprinkle of Fresh Parsley brightens the whole dish.

Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken 2

How To Make the Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in shredded mozzarella and let it melt through the pasta.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it into the cheesy pasta. Let everything warm through for a few minutes. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and more parmesan on top before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is satisfying enough to stand alone, but also flexible enough to serve with a light side or salad. It serves 4 to 6 people generously, making it a great family dinner or a small gathering favorite. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey presentation.

Leftovers store beautifully. Place any extra pasta and chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and warm gently over the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats sopping up leftover cheese sauce with a crisp, buttery slice of garlic bread.

Roasted Asparagus

Light and fresh, roasted asparagus adds color and a healthy crunch to the meal.

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella are a vibrant contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing cuts through the creamy flavors nicely.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Double down on comfort with another cozy pasta dish like this one for a pasta night spread.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Serve alongside or swap the chicken for these flavorful meatballs to change things up.

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This makes a great second option for a casual buffet-style dinner.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Try naan instead of garlic bread for a soft, chewy way to scoop up the cheesy sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken won you over, here are a few more pasta dishes from Janet Dishes you’ll want to try next:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a meatless yet rich and savory option.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni to stay in the rigatoni lane with a hearty twist.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta if you’re craving something with a little heat.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a lighter, protein-packed creamy option.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for the ultimate seafood pasta indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always ready when that cheesy craving strikes.

I’d love to know how you made this dish your own. Did you add spinach or mushrooms? Maybe used a different cheese blend?

Feel free to share your ideas and questions in the comments. Helping each other make better meals is what cooking together is all about.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and family-favorite recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those dishes that hits all the marks: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, this one deserves a regular spot on the dinner rotation.