This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, marrying golden-seared chicken chunks with tender pasta and a velvety garlic-infused sauce. Each bite bursts with savory richness from the butter and Parmesan, while the rigatoni acts like a flavor sponge, soaking up all the creamy goodness. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is delightfully easy to pull together for a weeknight dinner.

The best part? You don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies if you’re feeling extra. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need something soul-soothing on a chilly evening, this rigatoni delivers in both taste and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Rich and Creamy: The garlic butter sauce clings to every piece of rigatoni, creating an indulgent coating that’s hard to resist.
Golden Chicken Bites: The pan-seared chicken cubes develop a crispy, flavorful crust that adds texture to the creamy base.
Quick and Easy: With a 30-minute cook time, this recipe is achievable even on busy nights.
Versatile: Great for meal prep, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike devour this dish every single time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this creamy dish to life, gather the following kitchen essentials:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning the chicken and preparing the sauce. A wide base ensures even cooking and space to stir everything together.
Large Pot: To cook the rigatoni. Use a deep pot with plenty of salted water for optimal pasta texture.
Colander: To quickly drain the pasta without losing heat.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps stir the sauce without scratching your cookware.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for cubing the chicken into evenly sized, bite-friendly pieces.

A few quality tools make the process smoother and more enjoyable—nothing too fancy, just the right gear to help you nail each step effortlessly.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Rigatoni Pasta: The ridged tube shape perfectly holds the sauce, making each bite flavorful.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein, diced into cubes for quick and even cooking.
Salted Butter: Provides richness and the base for the garlic sauce.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Essential for that bold garlic flavor that defines the dish.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky smooth and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth, saltiness, and enhances the creamy texture.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season and balance flavors.
Parsley (Optional): A fresh garnish that brightens the plate.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained rigatoni. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 6: Final Touch

Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Serving Tips

Serve the rigatoni hot, directly from the skillet or in a warmed serving dish. Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic notes beautifully.

Storage

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: While the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, it can still be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have rigatoni?

You can substitute with penne, ziti, or even rotini—anything with ridges or tubular shape works great to hold the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure they’re boneless and cooked thoroughly.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened oat cream for a dairy-free twist. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle heat, or stir in a spoonful of chili paste.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent add-ins. Stir them in with the chicken during the final simmer.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding cream, and stir constantly to avoid boiling the sauce too quickly.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, here are more indulgent pasta recipes that’ll keep your weeknight dinner rotation fresh and delicious:

Try the creamy richness of Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce.
Mix things up with Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for a fun, fusion twist.
Add heat with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Craving bold flavor? The Bang Bang Chicken Recipe never disappoints.
Or cozy up with Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for a classic comfort meal.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add spinach or stick to the classic? I love hearing your takes on these recipes. Share your twists or questions below so we can all get better at making weeknight magic.