Description

Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe is the answer. Perfect for quick dinners, indulgent weekend meals, or family gatherings, it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Tender golden chicken, buttery garlic, and rigatoni tossed in a luscious parmesan cream sauce—it’s everything you want from a comforting, easy dinner recipe. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, pasta recipes, or easy food ideas to impress, this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni checks every box.

Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.

3. Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream, stir well, and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

6. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.

7. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Reserve pasta water—it’s the secret to a silky, cohesive sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 640
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 510mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, rigatoni, easy dinner, comfort food, quick dinner, pasta recipes