30-Minute Best Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe with Parmesan

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Pro Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage & Leftovers
• Nutritional Information
• FAQs
• Related Recipes

Looking for the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe? You’ve found it! This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is more than just a hearty, flavorful meal—it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table. The combination of tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce topped with Parmesan makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni will quickly become your family’s new favorite!

According to a study by the National Pasta Association, pasta dishes featuring protein and vegetables create a well-balanced meal that satisfies both nutritional needs and taste preferences. This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni perfectly exemplifies this balance.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Quick and Easy – Have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in just 30 minutes!
• One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters can’t resist this cheesy, garlicky goodness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully.
• Adaptable Recipe – Easily customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you might already have.

The real magic happens when that velvety butter garlic sauce coats every piece of pasta. Rigatoni, with its ridged surface and wide tubes, captures every drop of that luscious sauce. Tossed with tender chicken and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this is truly a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340g) rigatoni pasta
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is the secret to creating a silky smooth sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits contain incredible flavor! Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan

Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained rigatoni. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. The American Cheese Society recommends always grating hard cheeses fresh for optimal meltability.
• Don’t overcook your pasta. Aim for al dente – it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. According to Barilla’s pasta experts, the perfect al dente texture is achieved when the pasta is tender outside but still firm inside.
• Watch your garlic carefully. Burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish. Cook just until fragrant and golden, not brown. The Culinary Institute of America suggests that garlic should be cooked just until aromatic, usually for 30-60 seconds.
• Keep some pasta water. This starchy liquid is perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency if it gets too thick. Food scientist Harold McGee explains in his book “On Food and Cooking” that pasta water contains dissolved starches that help emulsify and thicken sauces.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends cutting chicken into similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking and food safety.
• Let the sauce simmer gently. High heat can cause cream-based sauces to separate. According to Serious Eats, cream sauces should be kept below a full boil to maintain their smooth texture.
• Season in layers for the most flavorful dish – season the chicken, the sauce, and adjust at the end if needed.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy pasta dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
• Steamed or roasted broccoli, which works exceptionally well with the creamy sauce
• A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

For an extra special touch, serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in warmed bowls so the sauce stays creamy longer. Finish with a fresh grind of black pepper and extra Parmesan right at the table.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. According to FDA food safety guidelines, cooked dishes containing dairy should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave on 50% power, stirring halfway through. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends reheating pasta dishes to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces may separate when thawed. If freezing, do so for no longer than 1 month and reheat slowly, stirring frequently. Still Tasty, the ultimate shelf life guide, provides excellent information on freezing cream-based pasta dishes.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

• Calories: 550 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Please note that nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

For more detailed nutritional information about pasta dishes, visit the USDA FoodData Central database, which provides comprehensive nutritional profiles for thousands of foods.

FAQs for Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works exceptionally well because its ridges and tube shape capture the sauce beautifully, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Any pasta with ridges or curves will hold the creamy sauce nicely. The Pasta Fits guide offers excellent information on pasta shape substitutions and their best sauce pairings.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

The key is gentle heat. Once you’ve added the cream, avoid boiling the sauce. Keep it at a low simmer and stir frequently. Also, adding the Parmesan gradually rather than all at once helps create a smooth sauce. For more detailed information on sauce troubleshooting, check out America’s Test Kitchen for their expert culinary science advice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare elements ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, storing them separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh, then combine everything and reheat gently. The Food Safety and Inspection Service provides helpful guidelines on safely storing and reheating prepared foods.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk. Cooking Light offers excellent advice on creating healthier versions of cream-based dishes without sacrificing flavor.

Related Recipes for Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, you’ll definitely enjoy these other delicious pasta dishes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Bon Appétit’s collection includes amazing Tuscan-inspired pasta dishes that complement this recipe perfectly.
• One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Alfredo – Food Network offers similar comfort food pasta recipes that are equally satisfying.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Epicurious features excellent weeknight pasta recipes including seafood variations.
• Classic Spaghetti Carbonara – Italian Food Forever provides authentic Italian pasta recipes that pasta lovers will appreciate.
• Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes – The Kitchn offers trendy pasta recipes that are simple to make yet impressive.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food that combines simple ingredients into something truly magical. The creamy, garlicky sauce perfectly coats each piece of chicken and pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

For more inspiration on creating restaurant-quality pasta dishes at home, visit Serious Eats’ Pasta Section or check out Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian recipes for authentic Italian cooking techniques.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Did you add any special ingredients or make any modifications? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your food photos on social media. And don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious!

Now you know how to make the best Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni at home – enjoy every bite of this restaurant-quality dish with its perfect balance of garlic, butter, tender chicken, and al dente rigatoni!

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