Imagine the rich aroma of garlic melting into butter, wrapping tender chicken in savory comfort as it nestles next to perfectly cooked rigatoni. Now add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melting right into that creamy sauce, and you’ve got a dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in one pan. Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the kind of meal that bridges weeknight ease with restaurant-worthy flavor.

This dish is warm, filling, and deeply flavorful. The sauce clings to the rigatoni just right, and the golden-seared chicken brings all the heartiness you want in a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or want a meal-prep winner to reheat beautifully, this one checks every box.

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

There’s something timeless about buttery garlic and chicken, and pairing them with rigatoni creates an ideal pasta experience. The ridges in the pasta hold onto the sauce, while the Parmesan adds a layer of saltiness and umami that makes everything taste more decadent. Best of all? It doesn’t take much time or effort to make.

The beauty of this recipe is how it balances richness with simplicity. It’s family-friendly, quick enough for busy weeknights, and elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is minimal.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

For best results, go with freshly grated Parmesan straight from the block. It melts better and adds a nuttier, fuller flavor than pre-shredded or powdered versions. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, which can affect your sauce’s texture. If you’re feeling a little fancy, you can even try Parmigiano-Reggiano for an extra boost of flavor.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

To create a dish that bursts with buttery garlic flavor and a luscious creamy finish, each ingredient plays a vital role. The balance between protein, pasta, and rich seasoning makes this recipe irresistible and easy to execute.

Chicken breast
Rigatoni pasta
Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley

Each of these ingredients brings texture, richness, or seasoning that rounds out the dish. The chicken breast is the protein hero, while rigatoni’s sturdy shape holds up to the sauce. Garlic and butter are the soul of the recipe, and Parmesan ties it all together with a salty bite.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked rigatoni directly into the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Allow the rigatoni to cook in the sauce for about 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed to keep the pasta submerged and cooking evenly.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Once the pasta is al dente, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything gently so the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This creamy, comforting pasta is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet when the sauce is silky and the cheese is perfectly melted. It feeds about 4 hungry people generously, making it a fantastic family meal or a dinner party main dish.

If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk before microwaving or warming on the stove to loosen the sauce. It reheats beautifully without losing texture or flavor, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

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

Classic Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Garlic Bread

Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic, pair it with toasty garlic bread for extra indulgence.

Roasted Asparagus

The slight bitterness of roasted asparagus balances the buttery sauce beautifully.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring brightness and color to your plate.

Lemon-Herb Green Beans

A zesty, vibrant side that cuts through the richness with every bite.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until golden, these add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chicken.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots bring a subtle contrast that enhances the entire meal.

A Glass of Chardonnay

The buttery notes of the wine harmonize with the garlic butter sauce and Parmesan beautifully.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, here are more pasta meals to keep your weeknight dinners exciting:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a comforting, tangy twist.
The One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni delivers hearty flavor with minimal cleanup.
Dive into the Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a burst of sun-dried tomato and herb goodness.
Our Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is perfect if you crave bold spice and creaminess.

Each of these recipes pairs rich, bold sauces with the perfect pasta shapes, just like this dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime your cravings hit.

And if you make this dish, tell me how it turned out in the comments. Did you add mushrooms or swap out the pasta shape? I’m always curious to hear your spin on these classics.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and indulgent favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next go-to comfort food.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is more than a pasta dish — it’s a full-flavored, creamy, one-pan meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, it offers a comforting, crave-worthy option that never goes out of style. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite.