Description
Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Perfectly seared garlic butter chicken paired with tender rigatoni coated in a velvety cheese sauce—it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend meals. This easy dinner idea is simple to make yet feels gourmet. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting, it’s one of those food ideas that never disappoint. From quick dinner solutions to satisfying family meals, this easy recipe covers it all.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk warm
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
salt to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil optional
red pepper flakes
1 squeeze lemon juice
shaved parmesan
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Return chicken and toss with garlic butter, parmesan, and parsley. Set aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
6. Slowly whisk in warm milk until thickened. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan, then season with garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
7. Add drained rigatoni to the sauce, stirring to coat. Use pasta water if needed to loosen.
8. Plate pasta and top with garlic parmesan chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for the smoothest, richest cheese sauce.
Cook the roux fully before adding milk to prevent floury flavor and lumpy texture.
Let chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cheesy pasta, chicken and pasta, garlic parmesan, rigatoni recipes