Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

If you’re craving a rich and satisfying pasta dish, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food. With tender, juicy chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is a delightful fusion of flavors that will impress any pasta lover. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or looking for an indulgent dish to share with family and friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta:

1 lb rigatoni pasta
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warm
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

Using the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly nutty.
Gradually pour in warm milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and garlic powder, then let the sauce simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).

4. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked rigatoni and chicken to the skillet.
Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, indulgent goodness!

Serving Size & Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~570 kcal

Conclusion & Tips

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here are a few tips to make it even better:

✅ Use fresh Parmesan cheese—it melts better and enhances the creamy texture.
✅ Control the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes or omitting them for a milder taste.
✅ Customize it! Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
✅ Reheating Tip: If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency.