Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that delivers serious comfort and flavor? This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Parmesan is rich, savory, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With tender chicken, ridged rigatoni pasta, and a velvety garlic butter Parmesan sauce, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re after a quick family meal or impressive food ideas for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes for an easy recipe, quick dinner, or even a creamy comfort food fix.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring constantly until smooth.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add drained rigatoni. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
6. Preheat the broiler. Transfer mixture to a broiler-safe baking dish, top with extra Parmesan, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using, and serve hot.
Notes
For the creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps emulsify and loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Watch closely when broiling—the top should just turn golden without drying out the pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic chicken pasta, food ideas, weeknight meals