Butter-laden sauce clings to every piece of tender chicken, melding with the toothsome bite of rigatoni in a way that feels like a warm embrace on a hectic evening. With each forkful, you’ll taste the mellow sweetness of garlic sautéed in creamy butter, punctuated by the subtle kiss of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s the sort of comforting one-pan dinner that makes busy weeknights feel like a culinary treat, yet it’s so simple that even kitchen novices can master it. As a home cook, I love that this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality feel without the fuss—no complicated prep, just straightforward steps that build layers of flavor.
This dish is all about balance: hearty chicken breasts seared until golden, bathed in a lusciously rich sauce that coats every curve of your pasta. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching the sauce thicken—cream transforming into silky velvet, Parmesan melting in ribbons that swirl around the rigatoni. I’ve made this for friends and family gatherings, and every time someone asks for more, I smile, tuck away the recipe, and watch as they savor each bite. If you’re craving a rich, savory meal that feels indulgent yet is ready in under an hour, you’re in the right place. Gather your skillet and your favorite tunes—let’s get cooking!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN WITH RIGATONI AND PARMESAN
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s meet the stars of our dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from building flavor foundations to adding that finishing pop of freshness or creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Chicken breasts
Lean and versatile, diced chicken breasts soak up the buttery garlic sauce perfectly. When seared to a golden crust, they bring both texture and protein to this pasta dish.
- Salt and pepper
The simplest seasonings pack a punch. Properly seasoned chicken ensures each bite is flavorful from the inside out, while a pinch in the sauce balances richness.
- Olive oil
A splash of extra-virgin olive oil helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken without burning, adding a subtle fruity note that complements the butter.
- Unsalted butter
The cornerstone of our sauce, butter lends a creamy mouthfeel and toasty flavor. Using unsalted gives you precise control over seasoning.
- Garlic
Minced garlic releases its pungent aroma when sautéed, infusing the sauce with that classic, crave-worthy garlic butter profile.
- Italian seasoning
A fragrant blend of herbs—oregano, basil, thyme—takes this sauce from simple to sensational, layering in warm, Mediterranean herbs.
- Chicken broth
A savory liquid base that deepens the sauce’s umami, while keeping it light enough to balance the richness of cream and cheese.
- Heavy cream
The silky heart of the sauce, heavy cream transforms into a dreamy coating for pasta, ensuring every rigatoni tube is enveloped in decadent goodness.
- Parmesan cheese
As it melts, grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty tang that rounds out the creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh parsley
Bright and herbaceous, chopped parsley lifts the dish with a fresh, green note that cuts through the creamy sauce.
- Rigatoni pasta
Large, ridged tubes perfect for capturing sauce in every groove. Rigatoni’s sturdy shape stands up beautifully to chunky chicken and thick sauce.
- Additional Parmesan cheese
A final flourish of extra cheese for serving guarantees that each bite ends with a satisfying creamy, cheesy finish.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN WITH RIGATONI AND PARMESAN
Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this dish to life. From seasoning the chicken to coating every pasta tube in velvety sauce, the steps are straightforward yet impactful. Follow along, and before you know it, your skillet will be filled with a dinner to make weeknight magic happen.
1. Season the diced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot surface that locks in juices when the chicken hits the pan.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. Once beautifully seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits left behind for extra depth.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown too quickly.
6. Add the Italian seasoning and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce becomes luxuriously thick, about 3–4 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, in a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until each piece is well coated.
11. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, gently mixing everything to ensure the sauce clings to every tube.
12. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, additional Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy pop.
13. Serve hot and enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan straight from the skillet!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN WITH RIGATONI AND PARMESAN
To truly elevate this creamy pasta dinner, think about complementary textures, flavors, and presentation ideas. Serving is where you can get playful—mix in crunchy elements, fresh greens, or simple sides that let the rich garlic butter sauce shine. Here are a few ways to present and enjoy your masterpiece:
- Rustic garlic bread
Slice a baguette, brush with garlic-herb butter, and toast until golden. The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery center pair perfectly with every saucy forkful.
- Mixed green salad
Toss baby spinach, arugula, and radicchio with a light vinaigrette. The tangy, crisp greens act as a refreshing counterpoint to creamy pasta.
- Grilled vegetables
Char asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers on a hot grill or skillet. Their smokiness and slight bite bring a vegetal balance and vibrant color to the plate.
- Chilled white wine
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness with bright acidity and citrus notes, making each mouthful feel renewed.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN WITH RIGATONI AND PARMESAN
Leftovers of this creamy pasta are a treat—just follow a few simple storage tips to keep flavors bright and textures intact. Proper storage means you can enjoy a homemade, satisfying meal days later, whether reheating for a quick lunch or packing it in a container for tomorrow’s dinner.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. This prevents the cream sauce from separating and keeps ingredients tasting fresh for up to three days.
- Separate sauce and pasta if you anticipate reheating. Store the sauce in one container and the rigatoni in another to avoid sogginess; reheat gently on the stovetop, combining just before serving.
- Freeze individual portions for up to one month. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out extra air. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently to preserve creaminess.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Warm on low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce loosens up and clings to the pasta anew.
CONCLUSION
From the first sizzle of diced chicken hitting the hot skillet to the last sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a dish that feels as cozy as it tastes. We’ve covered everything—from selecting and seasoning the chicken to building a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, and finally marrying it all with perfectly cooked rigatoni. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, you’ll find this recipe friendly and straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or any occasion that calls for comforting, hearty fare. You can easily print this article, pin it on your fridge, or save it to your favorite recipe collection for later use. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to troubleshoot common questions or dive deeper into ingredient substitutions, but the core of this guide has all you need to create a sensational meal.
I hope this article inspires you to fire up the skillet and enjoy that glorious moment when creamy sauce and golden chicken meet al dente pasta. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—feel free to leave a comment with your tweaks, questions, or feedback. Did you add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick? Perhaps you swapped in another pasta shape or doubled the garlic for extra punch? Share your kitchen victories or even your little mishaps below. Happy cooking, and here’s to delicious meals and unforgettable dinners made right at home!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Description
This creamy skillet dish brings tender chicken bathed in garlic butter sauce together with Parmesan-kissed rigatoni. Rich, savory, and satisfying, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the Italian seasoning and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated.
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Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, gently mixing to combine everything.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.
Note
- This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- You can substitute rigatoni with any pasta of your choice.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
