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Buttery Chicken with Rigatoni

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Prepare this comforting, creamy chicken rigatoni in 35 minutes. Simple ingredients, big flavor, perfect for family dining.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:28:20 GMT
Creamy Buttery Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan: A Cozy Dish Highlight
Creamy Buttery Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan: A Cozy Dish | cookwithcarla.com
The tender chicken melts alongside perfectly cooked rigatoni in this soul-warming Garlic Butter Chicken pasta. Its smooth, creamy sauce bursting with garlic and Parmesan hugs every bit of pasta and chicken, delivering a fancy restaurant dish that's actually super easy to whip up in your kitchen. I've tweaked pasta recipes for ages, and this one has become my number one pick-me-up meal. The way the sauce gets trapped in those rigatoni grooves brings back memories of my nonna's homemade Italian cooking.

Must-Have Ingredient Breakdown

Rigatoni: Those ridges and tube shape grab onto sauce wonderfully Chicken: Go for boneless thighs or breasts for juicy, soft bites Butter: Stick with unsalted so you can adjust the salt yourself Garlic: Don't skimp on fresh cloves for the best flavor kick Heavy Cream: It's what makes everything so luxuriously smooth Parmesan: Grate it fresh for that perfect melt into your sauce

Crafting Your Delicious Meal

Perfect The Protein Get that chicken golden and tender with proper seasoning. Begin With The Base Cook your pasta just right, saving some of that starchy water. Unite The Elements Mix your chicken and pasta into that dreamy sauce. Build The Sauce Merge garlic, butter and cream with care and attention. Finish With Flair Sprinkle fresh herbs and extra cheese for that wow factor.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan: A Comforting Dish Recipe Highlight
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan: A Comforting Dish Recipe | cookwithcarla.com
My mom from Italy always told me, 'The magic is in the pasta water.' After making this dish hundreds of times, I can tell you that simple trick really does make the difference between good and amazing sauce.

Round Out Your Dinner

Pair with some crusty garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad, or toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. This dish tastes amazing with a cold glass of Pinot Grigio.

Switch It Up

Make the dish your own by throwing in some spinach, mixing in sun-dried tomatoes, or trying different pasta shapes. Want something lighter? Just swap the heavy cream for half-and-half.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for three days. When reheating, add a tiny splash of cream or saved pasta water to bring back that silky sauce texture.
After trying this dish so many ways in my kitchen, I've found it really shows how simple ingredients can shine when you treat them right. When you pay attention to the little details, everything comes together in a way that makes this pasta truly special.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan: A Comforting Dish Highlight
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan: A Comforting Dish | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap the pasta type?
Of course! Shapes like penne, ziti, or even fettuccine will work just fine instead of rigatoni.
→ How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Stick to low heat when mixing in cream and cheese. Add cheese bit by bit and stir continuously to avoid curdling.
→ Could I use chicken thighs instead?
Sure thing! Thighs are juicy and a great substitute. Just adjust the cooking time for doneness.
→ What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can try half-and-half. It'll make the sauce thinner, but it'll still taste amazing. For richness, heavy cream is best.
→ Can I prepare this meal in advance?
The sauce can be made ahead and rewarmed gently. Just cook pasta fresh to keep things flavorful when serving.

Buttery Chicken Rigatoni

Rich rigatoni pasta and tender chicken come together in a creamy buttery Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes for a cozy meal.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
02 1 pound chicken breast, skinless and boneless

→ For the Sauce

03 4-6 minced garlic cloves
04 2 to 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
05 1 cup of chicken broth
06 1 cup heavy cream
07 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly done)
08 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings & Garnish

09 Pepper and salt, adjust to preference
10 Paprika
11 Italian herb mix
12 Freshly chopped parsley for topping

Steps

Step 01

Fill a big pot with water, salt it well, and bring it to a rolling boil. Throw in the rigatoni and cook until it's perfectly firm (al dente). Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy water—it could come in handy later.

Step 02

Dry your chicken with a paper towel and butterfly it if it’s too thick. Sprinkle on paprika, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a large pan with olive oil, brown each side for 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

Step 03

Using the same pan, toss in the butter and let it melt. Once it's sizzling, gently cook the garlic until it smells amazing. Pour in chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up every tasty bit stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 04

Stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently until the mixture thickens a little. Add the Parmesan cheese in small amounts, stirring until the sauce is silky. Toss in a bit of saved pasta water if needed to thin it out.

Step 05

Drop the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan. Use a spatula or tongs to coat everything in the creamy, cheesy sauce. Sprinkle on parsley and add extra Parmesan if that’s your thing.

Notes

  1. Using freshly shredded Parmesan results in a smoother sauce
  2. Cooking your pasta al dente helps it absorb the sauce better
  3. Seasoning in layers enhances the overall taste

Required Equipment

  • Pot big enough for boiling pasta
  • Wide skillet
  • Grater for cheese
  • Spoons and cups for measuring

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Includes dairy (cream, Parmesan, butter)
  • Contains gluten (rigatoni pasta)