Irresistible Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce – Ready in 30 Minutes!

If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a big, cozy bowl of pasta. And when you add juicy garlic butter chicken, tender rigatoni, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce? Pure heaven! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary night into something special.

Whether you’re making dinner for the family or indulging in a little self-care meal, this dish is rich, creamy, garlicky, and completely irresistible. Let’s dive right in—you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Ultra-creamy & cheesy – The parmesan sauce is thick, velvety, and packed with cheesy goodness
• Garlic butter chicken – Juicy, golden-browned chicken bites infused with buttery garlic flavor
• Perfectly cooked rigatoni – A sturdy pasta that holds up beautifully to the creamy sauce
• Easy to make – Comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to make it your own

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a rich, creamy parmesan sauce coating every piece of pasta, with hints of garlic and butter in every bite. The chicken is tender and flavorful, while the rigatoni provides the perfect chewy texture. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, with just the right touch of seasoning to keep every bite exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Parmesan Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
• Water and salt for boiling

Tools You’ll Need For Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Protein Swap – Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu instead of chicken
• Make it lighter – Substitute half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream
• Extra veggies – Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas for more texture and nutrition
• More spice – Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Different pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work just as well

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken

• Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat
• Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside

3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps
• Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
• Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until thick and creamy

4. Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the drained pasta
• Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish
• Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite

What to Serve With This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This pasta dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some great pairings

• Garlic Bread – Because more garlic and butter is always a good idea
• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness
• Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini add color and texture
• A Glass of White Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Rigatoni should be al dente so it holds up in the sauce
• Use freshly grated parmesan – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly
• Adjust sauce thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer
• Cook chicken in batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan for a better sear

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce
• Freeze? – The sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated

Frequently Asked Questions Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even bowtie pasta work well with this creamy sauce

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a mix of milk and cream cheese for richness

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat it before serving. Add a little cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce

Final Thoughts Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent!

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share a picture on Pinterest—I’d love to see your version!

More Creamy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Now go grab that fork—dinner’s ready! 🍝 😍

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