Name: Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; 8 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is a weeknight winner that tastes like comfort in a bowl. Each bite is loaded with golden-seared chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and tender pasta coated in melty parmesan goodness.

What makes this dish shine is its simplicity paired with bold taste. With pantry staples and just one pan, you’ll create a rich, savory sauce that clings to the rigatoni and perfectly complements the juicy chicken pieces. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or an indulgent lunch, this recipe satisfies every time.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is ideal for this recipe. Its ridges and hollow center trap the garlic butter sauce, ensuring you get flavorful bites throughout. You could substitute with penne or ziti, but rigatoni offers the best texture contrast to the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Chicken Breast – Lean and tender, it soaks up the garlic butter flavor when seared to a golden crisp.

Rigatoni Pasta – Its sturdy shape and wide tubes hold the sauce beautifully, delivering full-bodied bites.

Butter – The heart of the sauce, giving it richness and helping caramelize the garlic.

Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic flavor that’s savory and slightly sweet when cooked.

Heavy Cream – For the luxurious, creamy base that wraps around each pasta piece.

Parmesan Cheese – Sharp, salty, and nutty, it brings depth and that irresistible cheesy pull.

Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken and build the flavor base.

Parsley – Adds a fresh, herby finish to balance the richness.

Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring the ingredients to life.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the grated parmesan until smooth and melted.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water until desired consistency. Garnish with chopped parsley and more parmesan before serving.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served hot, fresh from the skillet, with extra parmesan and parsley sprinkled on top. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp salad to round out the meal.

For storing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness and flavor.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You can swap the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce can separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when cooking the garlic butter for a kick.

What vegetables go well with this?

Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes make great add-ins and boost nutrition.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this creamy garlic pasta, try these irresistible dinner favorites:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a citrusy twist.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce when you’re craving another rich one-pot meal.
One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta for something with heat.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re in the mood for beef instead.
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for a nostalgic, comforting dish.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different pasta shape? Maybe threw in some broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.