Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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If you’re craving a rich and comforting pasta dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to whip up, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is just what your dinner table needs. Tender pieces of chicken coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce cling to perfectly cooked rigatoni, making every bite warm and satisfying. It’s a family-friendly meal that feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.

The sauce comes together quickly while the rigatoni boils, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic and herbs. This recipe balances the decadent creaminess with just the right amount of garlic kick and fresh parsley, making it a dish you’ll want to come back to time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe is perfect for pasta lovers who enjoy a velvety, flavorful sauce without a lot of fuss. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with seasonal vegetables or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top, and feels like a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. It’s ideal for cozy dinners, date nights, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs bring a bit more juiciness and flavor. Whichever you choose, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors of that creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

The ingredients for this dish are simple and readily available, but each one plays an important role in building the creamy, garlicky flavor you’ll love. Choosing fresh herbs and good-quality pasta makes a noticeable difference in the final result.

• Rigatoni pasta – The perfect shape to hold onto that luscious sauce.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Tender and juicy, they’re the star of the dish.
• Butter – Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
• Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic – Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aroma and flavor.
• Heavy cream – Creates the creamy, decadent base of the sauce.
• Chicken broth – Adds a savory depth and balances the richness.
• Parmesan cheese – Brings salty, nutty notes and thickens the sauce.
• Fresh parsley – Adds color and a pop of freshness to brighten the dish.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce just right.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy rigatoni is best served fresh off the stove, when the sauce is warm and clings perfectly to the pasta. It feeds about four generous portions, making it a great choice for a family dinner or small gathering. For presentation, sprinkle some extra Parmesan and a touch more parsley over each plate.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. The flavors often deepen and taste even better the next day.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing that helps soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Lighten the richness of the pasta with a crisp salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

Roasted Asparagus

The earthy sweetness of roasted asparagus complements the creamy garlic flavors beautifully.

Caprese Salad

Bright tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a fresh and colorful side to your plate.

Sauteed Spinach

Quickly wilted spinach with a little garlic and olive oil adds a nutritious green element.

Buttered Peas

Sweet peas tossed in a bit of butter and salt provide a vibrant, easy side.

Red Wine

A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Pinot Noir, pairs wonderfully with the creamy, garlicky notes of the dish.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, you’re sure to enjoy these other comforting pasta recipes too:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a tangy, creamy vegetarian option.
• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you want a heartier, meaty twist.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a lighter yet still rich sauce.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for extra flavor.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta if you’re craving a little heat and seafood flair.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or extra cheese? Did you try a different pasta shape?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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