Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Absolutely! Here’s a full, flavorful breakdown for a rich and comforting pasta dish:

🍗🧄 

Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

A hearty, indulgent pasta meal that brings together golden garlic butter chicken, al dente rigatoni, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce.

Introduction

Creamy, savory, and brimming with garlicky goodness, this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the perfect comfort food. It features pan-seared chicken cooked in garlic butter, tossed with tender rigatoni pasta, and enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. With its blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a weeknight hero or an impressive meal for gatherings.

Origin of the Recipe

While not tied to one specific culinary tradition, this dish is inspired by Italian-American comfort food classics. It blends traditional Italian pasta sensibilities (like al dente rigatoni and Parmesan) with American-style cream-based sauces and the crave-worthy appeal of garlic butter chicken. It’s a modern fusion dish that’s gained popularity through home kitchens and casual restaurant menus.

Ingredients

🍝 

Main Ingredients:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta (or penne/ziti as substitutes)
• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🌿 

Optional Ingredients:

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (for warmth in the cream sauce)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (for brightness)
• 1 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup frozen peas or spinach for a veggie boost

Instructions

🔪 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente (according to package directions).
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

🍗 Step 2: Cook the Chicken

4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
5. Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
7. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

8. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter.
9. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).

🧀 Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

10. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
11. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil), then stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional nutmeg or red pepper flakes.
12. Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.

🥘 Step 5: Combine Everything

13. Return cooked chicken to the pan.
14. Add drained rigatoni and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
15. Stir in lemon juice or any optional vegetables (like peas or spinach) if using.

🌿 Step 6: Serve

16. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
17. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving hot.

✅ Tips for Success

• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
• Sear the chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it firm enough to hold up in the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for the best texture and taste.
• If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water or more broth to loosen.

🍽 Recommendations

🥂 

Pair With:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini

🍷 

Drink Pairing:

• Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or light red wine like Pinot Noir
• Sparkling water with lemon or basil

🔍 Nutrition Estimate 

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	620–680 kcal
Protein	38g
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	2g
Sodium	480–600mg

Values vary depending on portion size and optional ingredients.