Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

By Lilo Last updated Mar 3, 2025

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal—tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich, velvety parmesan sauce packed with garlic and butter. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or an impressive date night meal, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Rigatoni:

12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
Water for boiling
1 tsp salt

For the Parmesan Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan cheese for sprinkling

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it in the parmesan sauce until fully coated.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold it into the pasta and sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Variations & Substitutions

✅ Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
✅ Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil before serving.
✅ Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a creamy seafood pasta.
✅ Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
✅ Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

🍽️ Pair this dish with:

Garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling water infused with lemon.

💡 Reheating Tip: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Rigatoni

✔ Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce (pre-grated cheese contains additives that prevent proper melting).
✔ Avoid overcooking the chicken—sear it for a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
✔ Reserve pasta water—the starch helps the sauce cling to the rigatoni perfectly.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or pappardelle also work beautifully.

Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Q3: How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook fresh pasta before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a decadent, comforting meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home. The tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make this dish irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to something special, this dish never disappoints.

Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out!

👉 If you love this recipe, share it with friends and family or save it for later. Happy cooking! 🍽️