There are some recipes that instantly become family favorites, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is one of them. With tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, a cozy weekend gathering, or simply indulging in a creamy pasta craving, this recipe delivers flavor, satisfaction, and warmth in every bite.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from ingredients and preparation to FAQs and pro tips—so you can master this delicious pasta dish with confidence.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced flavors: Garlic and Parmesan create a rich depth, while chicken broth and cream give the sauce body and silkiness.
• Comfort food made simple: Despite the gourmet taste, it uses pantry staples and simple steps.
• Customizable: You can swap proteins, add vegetables, or adjust creaminess to fit your preferences.

This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a meal you’ll look forward to making over and over again.

Ingredients with Quantities

Here is a full list of what you’ll need to make this recipe. Measuring out everything before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
• 2 tbsp butter (for cooking chicken)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp butter (for sauce)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Extra Parmesan cheese for serving, red pepper flakes for heat.

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Tip: Pasta water is starchy and perfect for adjusting sauce consistency later. Don’t skip this step.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

• Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Once hot, add chicken and sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Base

• In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
• Add 4 tbsp butter and let it melt.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Note: Garlic burns quickly—keep an eye on it. You want fragrance, not bitterness.

4. Build the Creamy Sauce

• Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and whole milk.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).

5. Add Parmesan Cheese

• Reduce heat to low.
• Slowly whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6. Combine Chicken and Pasta

• Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
• Toss in the drained rigatoni pasta.
• Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Let it warm together for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

7. Serve and Garnish

• Plate the creamy rigatoni and chicken.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
• Serve immediately while warm and silky.

Tips and Variations

• Protein swaps: Try turkey, shrimp, or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Veggie boost: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce butter.
• Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle heat.

Prep, Cook, and Nutrition Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~600 kcal per serving

FAQs

Q1: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan instead of freshly grated?
It’s best to use freshly grated Parmesan because pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated gives a creamier sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead. However, the sauce is best made fresh because cream sauces can thicken or separate when reheated.

Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long as it may dry out the pasta.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal because creamy sauces can split when frozen. If you must, freeze without the pasta and reheat sauce gently before tossing with freshly cooked rigatoni.

Q5: What pasta works best if I don’t have rigatoni?
Penne, ziti, or farfalle work well. The key is choosing a pasta shape that holds sauce in ridges or curves.

Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the rigatoni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure the broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Q7: How can I make this dish extra cheesy?
Add mozzarella or provolone for a gooey texture. Just don’t overdo it, as it may make the sauce stringy.

Q8: What can I serve on the side?
Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian-style dinner.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect example of a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare. With everyday ingredients, you can create a meal that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant—complete with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta.

Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, impressing guests, or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees smiles at the table. Keep it as your go-to comfort meal and experiment with variations to make it uniquely yours.

One skillet, one pot of pasta, and 35 minutes—that’s all it takes to bring this mouthwatering creamy chicken rigatoni to life.