The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken & Parmesan Rigatoni Recipe

Nestled in culinary comfort, this garlic butter chicken with parmesan rigatoni promises a symphony of rich, creamy flavors that dance across your palate.

Aromatic herbs and golden-brown chicken mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled generously adds a nutty depth that elevates every single bite.

Butter melts into a silky sauce, coating each rigatoni with indulgent goodness.

Quick and straightforward ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Home cooks will relish how effortlessly this dish comes together in under thirty minutes.

You’ll want seconds before the first plate is empty.

What Makes Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni Special

• Craft a Restaurant-Quality Meal: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet dining experience with this professional-level chicken and pasta dish that tastes like it's straight from an Italian restaurant.
• Master a Quick and Satisfying Dinner: Prepare a complete meal with protein, pasta, and creamy sauce in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Control the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: Create a rich, luxurious sauce using everyday pantry staples like butter, cream, and Parmesan, proving you don't need exotic ingredients to make an incredible dinner.

Everything You’ll Need For Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: A hearty pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying texture to the dish.

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked in the creamy garlic sauce.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: A rich and creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce with deep flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce with its natural melting properties.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that is fundamental to the dish's character.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Bring warmth and complexity to the sauce with herbs and a subtle kick of heat.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor and help brown the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the completed dish.

How To Cook Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

Toss in rigatoni and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta, but save a half cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will come in handy later.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, flipping occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks through completely. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes silky and smooth. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around, releasing its aromatic magic for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up Luxurious Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese

Simmer on low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce transforms into a velvety, slightly thickened dream.

Step 5: Spice Up the Flavor Profile

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to match your flavor preferences.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it lovingly in the sauce. Add the rigatoni, mixing gently.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Plate immediately, showering the dish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds sing!

Helpful Tips For Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to enhance moisture and flavor depth in the dish.
• Reserve pasta water strategically for adjusting sauce consistency and preventing dryness.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding red pepper flakes, tasting as you go for personalized heat.
• Create a lighter version by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing butter quantity.
• Elevate leftovers by quickly reheating in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy texture.

Tasty Spins On Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

• Spicy Arrabiata Chicken Pasta: Replace heavy cream with tomato sauce, increase red pepper flakes, and add fresh basil for a zesty Italian-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Rigatoni: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate oregano for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Lemon Chicken Pasta: Include lemon zest and juice, replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary, and reduce cream for a lighter sauce.
• Mushroom Garlic Chicken Rigatoni: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic, use mixed wild mushrooms for depth, and incorporate a splash of white wine for extra richness.

Top Pairings For Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy garlic sauce and cut through the richness.
• Elevate Side Dish Selection: Serve with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy pasta and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Match Bread Companion: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlic-infused texture.
• Boost Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or additional parsley on top to brighten the dish's flavor profile and add a pop of fresh, herbal notes.

How To Store Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep chicken and pasta together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they might separate upon thawing.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm slightly in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or water to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking sauce and pasta.

Answers To FAQs About Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Rigatoni

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder flavor profile.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne or fettuccine work great as alternatives to rigatoni in this recipe.

• What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe, ensuring tender and juicy results.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream, reduce butter amount, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Decadent Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni promises a luxurious Italian-inspired feast that elevates weeknight dinners. Rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare rigatoni in a generously salted pot of boiling water until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy pasta liquid for later use.
2. Season chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, ensuring golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a side plate, leaving flavorful residue in the skillet for enhanced sauce development.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatics to bloom and release intense fragrance for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that gently thickens over 5-7 minutes.
6. Enhance sauce with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, calibrating spice levels to personal preference. Adjust salt and pepper for balanced flavor profile.
7. Reintroduce seared chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coating. Fold rigatoni into the mixture, utilizing reserved pasta water to achieve ideal sauce consistency if needed.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, perfectly balanced sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni.
• Chicken Perfection: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from a gentle warmth to a bold kick that tingles the taste buds.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Use gluten-free pasta and replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, allergy-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg