Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that satisfies comfort cravings without hours in the kitchen? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is your answer. Juicy seared chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce combine in a dish that’s pure indulgence. It’s the perfect blend of easy prep and big flavor—making it a standout choice for weeknight meals, easy dinner recipes, or when you’re hunting for pasta dinner ideas. Ideal for foodies who love creamy sauces, this easy recipe is your new go-to for comfort food nights or crowd-pleasing family dinners.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons extra grated Parmesan (for topping)
Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
1 cup sliced mushrooms or 1 handful spinach (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
4. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and let it fully melt.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, add the cooked rigatoni, and gently toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s a secret weapon for perfect sauce texture.
Let your cream come to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter rigatoni, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe