Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Few dishes offer the perfect balance of creamy richness and savory comfort like Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken breast, hearty rigatoni pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce enveloped in a rich parmesan cream. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special weeknight meal, or simply craving something indulgent, this dish delivers both flavor and satisfaction.

Inspired by the classic techniques of Italian cooking and the comforting elements of American cream-based sauces, this meal is designed to be both decadent and approachable. It brings together the best of both worlds: the earthy, garlicky flavors of a classic Italian pasta with the creamy, comforting essence of a rich American-style sauce. Each component of this dish—the chicken, pasta, and sauce—works together to create a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.

What makes this particular dish even more special is its simplicity in preparation, using ingredients that are easy to find in any home kitchen. The creamy parmesan sauce coats every nook and cranny of the rigatoni, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor, while the garlic butter chicken adds a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. With a touch of fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan, the presentation is as beautiful as the taste.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through all the essential ingredients and equipment needed to create this dish, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to ensure success every time you prepare it. By the end, you’ll know how to make a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients and equipment, it’s time to start cooking! This dish might look and sound complex, but it’s actually quite simple when broken down into clear steps. By following these instructions closely, you’ll achieve a creamy, flavorful result with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Boiling the Rigatoni:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Use at least 4–5 quarts of water to give the pasta room to cook properly. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water (this helps season the pasta as it cooks).

2. Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, rigatoni takes about 9–11 minutes to cook to al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.

3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as you may need it later to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Tip: To prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it with a small amount of olive oil after draining, but only if you’re not adding it directly to the sauce right away.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Cooking the Chicken Breasts:

1. While the pasta is boiling, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides. If you’re using skinless chicken thighs, follow the same seasoning.

2. In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly bubbly.

3. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid crowding the chicken; if necessary, cook it in batches to ensure even searing.

4. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Tip: Avoid moving the chicken around too much in the pan while it’s cooking. This allows it to get a nice crispy exterior. Also, keep the heat at medium-high to ensure it browns without burning.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Building the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.

2. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic (4 cloves) to the pan. Sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.

3. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and stir to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.

4. Once the broth has reduced a little, add 1 cup of heavy cream to the pan. Stir continuously to combine the cream with the broth and butter, ensuring it becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Add 1½ cups of grated parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, this is a good time to sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Tip: The key to a smooth and creamy sauce is to stir constantly when adding the cream and cheese. If the sauce gets too thick, adding pasta water helps thin it out without sacrificing flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Bringing Everything Together:

1. Add the seared chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir to combine and allow the chicken to warm through.

2. Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the sauce. Toss the pasta gently with the chicken and sauce until the rigatoni is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.

3. Toss in chopped fresh parsley (optional) for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor. This step is optional but adds a beautiful touch of freshness.

Tip: Make sure all the pasta is coated with the sauce. If necessary, use tongs to toss the pasta gently in the sauce to ensure every piece gets covered.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serving the Dish:

1. Plate the creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni by scooping a generous amount of the pasta and sauce onto each plate.

2. Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. You can also add a light drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish.

3. Serve immediately while the dish is still warm and enjoy!

Optional Sides: To complement this rich and creamy dish, serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Tips for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

To ensure your dish turns out as delicious as possible, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken properly is key to achieving a flavorful base for the sauce. If your chicken releases too much liquid during searing, it may affect the flavor of the sauce. Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook a bit more in the sauce, it’s essential to cook it al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the final dish.

• Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before combining the pasta and chicken with the sauce, always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness.

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded cheese. If you can, grate it yourself right before cooking.

• Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life and maintain its creamy consistency.

Variations and Customization

Although this creamy garlic butter chicken and rigatoni is delicious as written, here are a few variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

• Add Vegetables: Add some spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes to the sauce for extra nutrients and color. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

• Spicy Option: If you enjoy spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also drizzle the finished dish with hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Lighter Version: To reduce the calories, use half-and-half or skim milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use less butter, replacing some of it with olive oil or vegetable broth.