If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort in every bite but also impresses with rich, creamy flavors, the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly balances tender chicken with al dente rigatoni, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe brings warmth, bold flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table, making every mouthful utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing simple, high-quality ingredients can transform any dish, and in this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, each component shines by contributing essential flavor, creaminess, or texture. These ingredients are straightforward but combine to create something truly spectacular.
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully while adding hearty texture.
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta: The ridged, tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly for ultimate bite satisfaction.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch that defines the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich base for the sauce, helping marry all the flavors while lending a silky texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smoothness to the sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce creating a perfect harmony of taste.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby brightness and a pop of color for visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing savory and creamy notes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth that rounds out the seasoning.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps loosen the sauce when needed, ensuring it clings beautifully to the rigatoni.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by dicing two large chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This size makes them perfect for quick cooking and ensures every forkful has a lovely chicken-to-pasta ratio. Season generously with salt and pepper to build foundational flavor that will shine once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your rigatoni until it is perfectly al dente—firm but tender to the bite. Before draining, save half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid is the secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later on.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt one tablespoon of the butter and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest, preserving that wonderful golden crust.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, letting it soak up all those browned bits left from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—around one minute—being careful not to burn it. This step is what makes the sauce incredibly aromatic and full of depth.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlicky butter. Let this mixture simmer gently for about two minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld into a decadent sauce base ready to coat your pasta and chicken.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked rigatoni directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is enveloped in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach a silky, luscious consistency that clings lovingly to every rigatoni tube.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Chicken
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce and every bite is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, so all ingredients marry perfectly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a dash of vibrant color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. Don’t forget to add a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent—it’s the cherry on top of this creamy and delicious creation.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra wow factor to your serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings eye-catching green contrast and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully. A final dusting of Parmesan cheese is a must for cheeselovers craving an extra punch of umami.
Side Dishes
Light sides are perfect partners for this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add texture, color, and nutrients making the meal more well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this rigatoni in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the creamy sauce elegantly. For a dinner party, place a small edible flower or microgreens on top for a refined touch. Alternatively, bake the finished dish lightly with extra cheese on top for a golden crust that imparts a delightful twist on this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken when chilled but don’t worry—that’s easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Microwaving is convenient for single servings but stir midway to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Using less butter and Parmesan helps too.
Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Yes! Shrimp or mushrooms make wonderful alternatives that soak up the garlic butter sauce nicely for a vegetarian or pescatarian twist on the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium when sautéing garlic and stir constantly. Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so watch it closely and remove from heat if it begins to brown too fast.
What if my sauce feels too thick or dry?
Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce to the rigatoni, keeping it silky instead of dry.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a heartwarming dish that combines ease, elegance, and extraordinary flavor all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and the dining table with smiles. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender diced chicken cooked in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with rigatoni pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper to ensure flavor throughout.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta well.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned, to release its aroma.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and the chicken is well incorporated. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the pasta before serving for a fresh and cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water contains starch which helps loosen the sauce without watering it down.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnish with extra parsley or freshly cracked black pepper for added freshness and spice.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
