There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and the warm, familiar flavor of garlic butter. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and homey—a dish that could easily become a family favorite or an impressive weeknight dinner for guests. The rigatoni, with its ridged tubes, perfectly catches every drop of the velvety Parmesan sauce, while the pan-seared chicken adds hearty protein and savory depth.

Garlic butter forms the backbone of this dish, creating a luxurious base that’s further enriched by cream and cheese. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings for something rich and flavorful without being overly complicated to prepare. This recipe is approachable for all skill levels, and its flavors are so crowd-pleasing that it’s bound to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big comfort with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Comforting: The Parmesan sauce is luscious and full-bodied, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Simple Yet Impressive: It’s an easy recipe that feels restaurant-quality without requiring advanced skills.
Garlic Butter Heaven: If you love the aroma and flavor of garlic butter, this dish delivers in a big way.
Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily switch up the protein, pasta type, or add-ins to suit your taste or pantry.

Ingredients

Chicken breast
Rigatoni pasta
Garlic
Butter
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different take.

Pasta Choices

Try penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti if you don’t have rigatoni on hand.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Veggie Add-ins

Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Cheese Alternatives

Mix in mozzarella or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different cheesy note.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Parmesan Sauce

Add heavy cream to the garlic butter and stir. Slowly incorporate grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything to coat in the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of pasta water or broth for extra flavor.
Stir sauce gently to avoid breaking the cream.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For extra elegance, pair it with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or extra Parmesan on top adds a final touch of perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

While cream sauces can separate when frozen, this dish holds up fairly well. Freeze in portions and reheat slowly for best results.

Reheating

Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice and warm it before adding to the sauce.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour can work in a pinch, though the sauce may be less rich.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, then cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.

5. What’s the best Parmesan to use?

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano offers the best flavor and meltability.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms work great in this recipe.

7. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?

Yes, it will. Reheat gently and stir in a little liquid to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

8. How can I make this healthier?

Use light cream, reduce the butter, or swap chicken breast for leaner cuts.

9. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just shred and add it to the sauce.

10. What type of pasta holds sauce best?

Rigatoni is ideal because of its ridges and tubular shape, but penne and fusilli are also great options.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, combining familiar ingredients in a rich, flavorful way. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for the family or looking for a showstopping pasta dish for guests, this recipe delivers every time. Easy to adapt and even easier to love, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.