This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is quick to prepare in just 25 minutes and delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Rigatoni: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water for later.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Prepare the Creamy Base: Stir in chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish the Sauce: Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine Everything: Return chicken and cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Serve & Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 650 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish is simple yet elegant, offering a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Creamy & Indulgent – The rich Parmesan sauce is perfectly balanced with buttery garlic flavors.
Protein-Packed & Satisfying – With lean chicken breast and Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers a good amount of protein while feeling indulgent.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor – The depth of flavors in the garlic butter sauce makes it taste like an upscale Italian dish.
Versatile & Customizable – You can swap proteins, adjust seasonings, or add vegetables to make it your own.

The Secret to the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

The rich, creamy Parmesan sauce is the heart of this dish, and achieving the perfect consistency and flavor requires a few key techniques:

Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic releases a deep, aromatic flavor when sautéed in butter, elevating the dish.
Simmer the Chicken Broth – Reducing the broth before adding the cream intensifies the flavor without making the sauce watery.
Choose the Right Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded varieties, ensuring a smooth, velvety sauce.
Adjust the Thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up without diluting the flavor.
Don’t Overheat the Sauce – Keep the heat on medium-low when adding the cheese and cream to prevent curdling.

The Best Pasta for This Dish

Rigatoni is an excellent choice for this dish because of its sturdy texture and ridged surface, which helps it hold onto the creamy Parmesan sauce. However, you can substitute other pasta varieties if needed:

Penne – Similar in shape, penne works well to capture the sauce in its hollow center.
Fettuccine – A classic choice for creamy sauces, fettuccine adds an elegant touch.
Linguine – A great option if you prefer a lighter, more delicate texture.
Rotini – The spiral shape helps the sauce cling to every bite.

How to Make This Dish Even More Flavorful

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is already packed with bold flavors, but here are some ways to enhance it even further:

Add a Splash of White Wine – Deglazing the pan with a dry white wine before adding the broth adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Include More Herbs – Try adding fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for an extra layer of herbal freshness.
Boost the Garlic Flavor – If you’re a garlic lover, add roasted garlic or garlic powder for even more depth of flavor.
Use a Mix of Cheeses – While Parmesan is the star, mixing in a bit of Asiago or Pecorino Romano can enhance the salty, nutty richness.
Spice It Up – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a mild kick without overpowering the dish.

Ways to Customize This Recipe

This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Make It Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy texture.
Go Low-Carb – Replace rigatoni with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Add More Vegetables – Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Try a Different Protein – Instead of chicken, use shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different variation.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Pasta

This creamy, comforting pasta dish pairs well with light, fresh sides that balance out the richness. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread – A classic pairing that’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad – A fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing adds a nice contrast.
Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy, flavorful side.
Caprese Salad – The combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the dish beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli – A simple, nutritious addition that pairs well with the creamy flavors.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the Stovetop – Warm over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheat in the Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent the sauce from separating.
Avoid Freezing – The creamy sauce may separate or become grainy when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything for the best texture.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a little cornstarch, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Can I make this without Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds richness and umami, you can substitute Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a decadent, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious garlic Parmesan sauce, every bite is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor.