Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni Pasta: A Comforting, Irresistible Dinner
If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that feels gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe. Golden, tender chicken bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly creamy Parmesan rigatoni — it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
This recipe is perfect for busy families, pasta lovers, and anyone who appreciates a hearty, savory meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple, wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the ultimate answer to “What’s for dinner?” — and trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
- One Skillet Magic: Minimal dishes for easy cleanup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Rich, creamy, buttery — a meal everyone loves.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins or pasta types.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Rigatoni Pasta:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Strainer/colander
- Tongs or a large spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water — it’s liquid gold that helps create the perfect sauce consistency later.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, tossing the chicken to coat it in that delicious garlicky butter. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. Set aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a separate skillet (or clean the first one if you prefer), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, reserved pasta water, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce until evenly coated. Plate the creamy Parmesan rigatoni and top it generously with the garlic butter chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve hot — and get ready for some serious compliments!
Tips, Shortcuts, and Variations
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different twist.
- Pasta Alternatives: Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti works if you don’t have rigatoni on hand.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for ultra-luxurious creaminess.
Shortcut Tip: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time — just warm it up in the garlic butter!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storage: Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: It’s best to avoid freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate upon thawing.
Perfect Food and Drink Pairings
Food Pairings:
- Garlic Bread: Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted in olive oil make excellent sides.
Drink Pairings:
- White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Sparkling Water: Refreshing and crisp, perfect for cutting through the richness.
- Light Beer: A crisp lager or blonde ale pairs nicely with buttery chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give an even juicier, more flavorful result.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking, or stir some into the sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and chicken a day ahead and store them separately. Reheat gently and combine before serving.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni Pasta is the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a date night but simple enough to whip up on a Wednesday evening. It’s rich, indulgent, and downright comforting — the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table with big smiles and bigger appetites.
