If you’re dreaming of a pasta dish that delivers rich comfort and full flavor in every forkful, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is calling your name. This recipe combines perfectly seared chicken, silky garlic butter sauce, and al dente rigatoni coated in cheesy creaminess. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top and has that cozy, made-with-love vibe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Golden, juicy chicken cubes nestle into ridged pasta tubes, each bite soaked in buttery garlic and a smooth cream sauce. It’s that ideal harmony between garlic and parmesan, brought together by the punch of searing and a hit of herbs. Serve it with warm bread and a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a hearty meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Flavor-packed: The garlic butter sauce is bold yet balanced, with just enough sharpness to complement the parmesan.
Simple to make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep choice.
Family-friendly: It’s kid-approved and dinner-party worthy.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making this dish smooth and mess-free starts with the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for searing the chicken and developing the sauce. Opt for stainless steel or nonstick.
Pasta Pot with Strainer: A big enough pot to cook your rigatoni evenly without sticking.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps in stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Needed for dicing the chicken and prepping garlic or herbs.
Microplane or Grater: Perfect for freshly grated parmesan that melts smoothly into the sauce.

Preparation Tip: Have everything chopped and ready before starting. This dish comes together quickly once the pasta and chicken are going.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Chicken Breast or Thighs: The star protein, diced and seared to golden perfection.
Rigatoni Pasta: Its ridges hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic depth.
Unsalted Butter: Creates that rich, silky base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and a melty texture.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly without burning the butter.
Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the flavors.
Italian Seasoning or Fresh Herbs (optional): A touch of oregano, basil, or parsley adds a lovely herbal note.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream, stir gently, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated parmesan and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked rigatoni, and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with extra parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve & Store Your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This rich pasta is best served fresh and hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra hit of parmesan. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a light arugula salad to balance out the creamy richness.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and microwave or reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well. Just make sure it’s something that holds sauce nicely.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken can be used. Just add it at the end to warm through in the sauce.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Use low heat when adding cream, and avoid sudden temperature changes. Stir gently and consistently.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute the cream with unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Can I freeze it?

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are great add-ins that won’t overpower the flavors.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni hit the spot, try out these other favorites from my kitchen:

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for that comfort-food-meets-family-style vibe.
Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta if you’re into creamy, cheesy twists.
One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta when you’re craving cozy Italian flavors.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini for a hearty, flavor-packed option.
Texas Roadhouse Style Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet when you want rustic charm and restaurant-style taste.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes? Did you toss in extra parmesan on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

You can find more dinner ideas, comfort recipes, and family classics by following me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate.