If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and creamy pasta dish, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta is the perfect choice. Featuring tender chicken pieces in a luscious, velvety Parmesan sauce paired with perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and make your dinner feel special. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week when you want something indulgent yet simple.

The creamy Parmesan sauce, made with heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, envelops each piece of chicken and rigatoni, creating a decadent, savory experience. With just a few basic ingredients, this dish transforms into a luxurious meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant date night at home. You’ll love the combination of rich flavors and comforting textures in this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This dish is easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.

2. Rich, Creamy Sauce

The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that coats both the chicken and pasta, making every bite creamy and flavorful.

3. Tender Chicken

The chicken pieces are cooked to perfection and soak up the creamy Parmesan sauce, adding a juicy and flavorful bite to every forkful.

4. Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Rigatoni holds the creamy sauce beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the sauce in every bite. The ridged texture of rigatoni helps trap the creamy goodness inside each tube.

5. Customizable Garnish

You can easily add a variety of garnishes, like fresh chopped parsley, to elevate the dish and add a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Rigatoni pasta
Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Variations

1. Add Vegetables

Incorporate vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli into the dish to add more texture and flavor. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic before adding the chicken.

2. Use Different Pasta

While rigatoni is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to swap it with other types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or farfalle if you prefer.

3. Spicy Kick

If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick that complements the creamy Parmesan flavor.

4. Use Grilled Chicken

For an added layer of flavor, you can grill the chicken pieces before adding them to the sauce, creating a smoky flavor contrast with the creamy sauce.

5. Add Bacon or Prosciutto

For an extra savory touch, try adding crispy bacon or prosciutto to the dish. These ingredients will give it an added layer of richness and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Once the cream starts to thicken, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Then, add the cooked rigatoni pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the creamy Parmesan chicken and rigatoni to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese. It will melt more smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center to avoid it becoming dry.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Add More Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a nice touch of acidity.
Make it Lighter: To reduce the richness of the dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream.

How to Serve

This creamy Parmesan chicken with rigatoni pasta is hearty and flavorful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a bit of extra indulgence, serve it with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly after reheating. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove with a splash of cream.

Reheating

To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. Add a bit of extra cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyère, though Parmesan is the traditional choice for its rich, nutty flavor.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk for a lighter version of the dish, but the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. Consider using whole milk for the best results.

3. Can I make this dish without chicken?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli instead.

4. Can I use a different pasta?

While rigatoni is ideal for this dish, other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle will also work well.

5. Can I add some heat to the dish?

If you like spicy food, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.

6. How can I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a little longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce. This will help it thicken up quickly.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving.

8. Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They’ll add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish.

9. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

Consider adding a dash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for additional depth of flavor.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and easy to make. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rigatoni combine to create a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s fancy enough to impress at a dinner party. Try this recipe today for a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal!