Irresistible Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Delight Recipe

Creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes your senses with rich, comforting flavors.

Imagine a dish that combines silky pasta with tender, succulent chicken in an irresistible sauce.

garlic aromatic essence weaves through each bite, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

butter adds luxurious depth, making every forkful feel indulgent and satisfying.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients can create such a remarkable meal.

The recipe revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that feels both elegant and approachable.

One forkful and You can understand why this dish becomes an instant favorite at any table.

Why Creamy Garlic Rigatoni Wins Hearts

• This dish delivers a rich, velvety sauce that hugs each pasta piece, creating an irresistibly smooth and indulgent eating experience perfect for comfort food lovers.
• The recipe comes together in just 20-25 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal for busy families or individuals craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• With everyday pantry staples like chicken, pasta, garlic, and cream, you can craft a restaurant-quality meal that feels sophisticated yet incredibly approachable and satisfying.
• The recipe allows simple variations like adding vegetables, swapping protein, or adjusting seasonings, making it flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Pasta

• Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, classic choice for robust pasta dishes.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor, best when fresh and cut into consistent pieces.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Fundamental flavor enhancers that bring depth and warmth to the chicken and overall dish.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich, creamy butter provides luxurious texture, while fresh garlic adds aromatic intensity.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Liquid base that creates a silky, rich sauce with deep savory notes and creamy consistency.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds fresh color and light herbaceous flavor to finish the dish.

How to Make the Creamy Chicken Dish

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and add the rigatoni.

Cook it according to the instructions on the package.

Once done, drain the pasta and place it in a separate bowl.

Set it aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter to melt.

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken pieces for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

Use the same skillet and add the rest of the butter.

Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

Stir until the garlic smells fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Develop Sauce Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and stir it well.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce for 3 to 4 minutes to concentrate the flavor.

Step 5: Transform Sauce

Add heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese.

Stir everything until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Then pour in the rigatoni and gently toss everything together.

Make sure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into a serving dish.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for extra color and flavor.

Serve it hot and enjoy every bite of this creamy, comforting dish.

Tips for Garlic-Butter Pasta Success

• Master Your Pasta Timing: Cook rigatoni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure perfect pasta consistency.
• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and lock in delicious flavors.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to help it thicken naturally and develop rich, creamy texture without burning.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aroma without burning, creating a more nuanced and delicate taste profile.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Chop parsley right before serving to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum fresh flavor into the dish.

How to Keep Pasta Fresh and Creamy

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure uniform heating. Add a little extra liquid if the sauce seems thick.

What to Pair With Creamy Rigatoni

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, balancing the garlic and buttery flavors with its light, refreshing notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Toasted garlic bread provides a perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta, allowing diners to soak up extra sauce and enhance the overall garlic-infused experience.
• Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, bright counterpoint to the heavy, creamy chicken rigatoni, creating a well-rounded meal with a clean, zesty finish.
• Match with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: A light, homemade lemon or orange spritzer will cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing accompaniment to the indulgent pasta dish.

Twists on Classic Rigatoni Recipes

• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add diced jalapeños and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. Finish with fresh oregano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Creamy Mushroom Fusion: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic before adding broth. Use white wine instead of chicken broth for deeper flavor complexity. Sprinkle with thyme leaves for an earthy undertone.
• Lighter Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon. Reduce heavy cream by half and substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Garlic Chicken Rigatoni: FAQ Section

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure it can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use skinless chicken breast for a lighter version.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the components separately and combine just before serving. Store chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, simple green salad, or steamed broccoli complement this creamy chicken pasta perfectly.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent garlic butter chicken rigatoni delight brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, velvety sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. Home cooks discover pure satisfaction in this simple yet luxurious pasta experience that promises warmth and flavor in every hearty bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Liquid Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare rigatoni according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve to the side.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until it becomes golden and slightly bubbling.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then carefully place into the hot butter. Cook until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful skillet residue.
5. Introduce minced garlic into the same skillet, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly one minute without burning.
6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, gently scraping accumulated flavor bits from the skillet bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate for 3-4 minutes.
7. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.
8. Reintroduce chicken to the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece becomes generously coated.
9. Fold rigatoni into the skillet, gently tossing to distribute sauce evenly across pasta and protein.
10. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
11. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Pasta Selection Matters: Choose high-quality rigatoni with ridges to help the creamy sauce cling perfectly to each pasta curve.
• Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure chicken is evenly golden and reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
• Garlic Flavor Boost: Freshly minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to pre-chopped versions.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese Hack: Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg