Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan: A Creamy, Savory Delight

If you're craving a hearty, creamy, and utterly delicious pasta dish, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente rigatoni, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you'll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

4. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.

2. Toss well to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy garlic butter sauce.

3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.

4. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful – The combination of garlic butter, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a rich and delicious sauce.

• Easy to Make – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

• Comfort Food at Its Best – A satisfying, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Customizable – Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the creamy texture of the sauce.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cooking it al dente ensures the perfect bite and prevents sogginess.

• Add a Touch of Spice – Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick to balance the richness of the dish.

• Use High-Quality Chicken – Organic or free-range chicken breast results in a more tender and juicy texture.

• Experiment with Herbs – Try adding basil or thyme for extra depth of flavor.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it also offers some great nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein – Chicken provides a good source of lean protein for muscle building and energy.

• Calcium-Rich – Parmesan cheese contains calcium, which supports bone health.

• Good Fats – Butter and olive oil contribute to healthy fats essential for brain function.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a must-try dish for pasta lovers. Its creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness will have you coming back for more. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a cozy date night, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Try It and Share Your Experience!

Made this dish? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!