Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Table of Contents

• Why Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?
• What Ingredients Do You Need for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?
• How Do You Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce Step by Step?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce
• How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
• What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Why Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality without the hassle. Its rich textures and vibrant flavors make it a favorite.

• The creamy Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious texture that clings to the rigatoni perfectly.
• Golden seared chicken brings a satisfying bite while remaining tender and juicy.
• Garlic and Italian seasoning pack bold yet balanced flavor into every forkful.
• It’s a one-pan recipe, so cleanup is easy, making it great for busy days.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce?

This recipe combines pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. Here’s everything you need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

The Parmesan cheese is the star ingredient here—it’s what gives the sauce its rich, creamy base while adding depth and nutty flavor.

How Do You Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce Step by Step?

This easy process involves searing chicken, making a quick sauce, and tossing it all together with pasta. Let’s dive in:

Step 1 — Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3 — Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

You might also enjoy our savor the simplicity: creamy garlic.

Step 4 — Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.

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Step 5 — Add the Parmesan Cheese

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6 — Cook the Rigatoni

Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7 — Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 8 — Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti, but rigatoni works best for holding onto the creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat at medium and stir continuously when adding cream and cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking.

For more ideas, check out our creamy garlic butter steak pasta.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free rigatoni or your preferred gluten-free pasta for a similar texture and flavor.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This dish takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat, warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Looking for something similar? Try our the best creamy garlic butter.

Adding cream or cheese to high heat may cause curdling. Keep the temperatures moderate and stir frequently.

Skipping the pasta water for sauce adjustments can result in a too-thick or too-thin sauce. Reserve some water to perfect the consistency.

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still flavorful.

No Parmesan? Pecorino Romano is a great alternative for a sharper, saltier flavor.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Pair this dish with a crisp Caesar salad to balance the rich flavors. A warm loaf of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Finish with a light dessert, like lemon sorbet, for a refreshing end to your meal.