If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in comfort while delivering bold, mouthwatering flavors, this Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken nestled in ridged rigatoni pasta, all smothered in a velvety, garlicky butter sauce that’s creamy without being heavy. It’s a luscious combination of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish so satisfying that one bite instantly feels like a warm, delicious hug. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe hits every note for an unforgettable dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but mighty in their contribution to flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the pasta’s perfect ridges to the silky sauce and vibrant garnish, all coming together harmoniously.
- 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges on rigatoni hold onto the rich sauce beautifully, making every bite saucy and delightful.
- 1 lb Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, chicken breast cooks quickly when cut into chunks, ensuring every morsel is flavorful.
- 1 tsp Salt: A simple essential that amplifies all the other flavors in the dish perfectly.
- 1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth, balancing the creaminess in the recipe.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Perfect for getting a gorgeous golden sear on the chicken, adding a lovely texture contrast.
- 4 tbsp Butter: This is the heart of the sauce, bringing richness and indulgence to the entire dish.
- 3 Garlic Cloves: Sautéed garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates it to a new level.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Thick and luscious, this gives the sauce its signature creamy texture that you’ll want to savor.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Adds a savory backbone and helps deglaze the pan, ensuring no flavor is left behind.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: The finely grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, delivering a salty, nutty kick.
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceous notes.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Perfect Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt is key here as it seasons the pasta internally while it cooks. Toss in the rigatoni and cook until just al dente—this way, the pasta holds its firm texture and won’t get mushy once combined with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This little trick is gold for loosening the sauce if needed and helping it cling better to the rigatoni’s ridges.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken chunks generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and sear the chicken, aiming for a beautiful golden crust on each side. This step locks in the juices for tender, flavor-packed bites. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a separate plate—don’t wash down the skillet just yet; you’ll need those tasty browned bits for the sauce!
Step 3: Build Your Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—this aromatic moment makes all the difference. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift those flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the taste.
Step 4: Creamy Magic Happens
Now stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 4 to 5 minutes so the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Gradually add your grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that signature richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This step transforms the sauce into the indulgent, creamy dream at the center of the recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni along with a splash of that reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently so each rigatoni piece is luxuriously coated and the chicken mingles with the creamy sauce. This finishing touch makes sure every bite is perfectly balanced and saucy without being overwhelmed.
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some torn basil leaves adds that beautiful burst of green color and a fresh flavor contrast that cuts through the richness. Adding extra Parmesan cheese at the table is a fantastic idea because it lets everyone customize their plate to cheesy perfection.
Side Dishes
This recipe is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables. They provide a refreshing crunch and a subtle acid balance that complements the indulgent garlic butter chicken rigatoni beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, serve this pasta in warm shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few shavings of Parmesan on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the visual appeal instantly, making it not only tasty but picture-perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This indulgent creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni recipe tastes just as great the next day if stored properly. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen slightly, offering a quick yet satisfying meal when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead and freeze portions for later, it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately from the sauce to maintain the best texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently to keep the sauce creamy and smooth, bringing back that luscious texture as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli also work wonderfully. Just remember to cook until al dente for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be quite as rich or thick. Heavy cream really helps achieve that indulgent feel in this recipe.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free butter and cream substitutes along with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free while still maintaining great flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken chunks will be opaque throughout, with no pink inside, and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking in small pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions that complement the creamy garlic butter flavor without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
I promise once you try this Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat but comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfectly creamy, packed with flavor, and satisfying in every bite — it’s comfort food done right.
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Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a sumptuous dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and tossed with rigatoni pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired meal combines the perfect balance of savory flavors and a luscious texture, making it ideal for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into chunks
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
Garnish
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken chunks evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Chicken and Rigatoni: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained rigatoni along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for the best aroma and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency as needed.
- Cook chicken cut into chunks for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Parmesan cheese should be finely grated for smooth integration into the sauce.
- You can substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different herbaceous garnish.
- Ensure the sauce simmers gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
