The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe: Pure Comfort in Every Bite!

Hello, WiseRecipes readers and fellow pasta lovers! Are you ready for a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a luscious garlic butter Parmesan sauce into one unforgettable meal? Today, I’m so excited to share my Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe – a true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Imagine hearty rigatoni pasta, with all its wonderful ridges, perfectly capturing a rich, savory sauce infused with fragrant garlic, golden butter, and salty Parmesan cheese. Add to that succulent pieces of pan-seared chicken, and you have a dish that screams comfort and indulgence. This easy garlic butter chicken pasta with parmesan is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion. You’ll be amazed at how this creamy rigatoni with chicken in garlic butter sauce comes together.

My quest for the best homemade chicken and rigatoni recipe led me to this divine combination. It’s all about balancing simple, high-quality ingredients to create layers of flavor. We’ll cover how to make garlic butter parmesan sauce for pasta that’s both incredibly flavorful and clings beautifully to every noodle. This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe is destined to become a new family favorite.

So, if you’re searching for a quick weeknight garlic butter pasta with chicken that delivers big on flavor and comfort, look no further. Let’s get those skillets ready and create some pasta perfection with this amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe!

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is an Absolute Winner

If the thought of garlic, butter, chicken, and pasta together isn’t enough, here’s why this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe stands out:

• Irresistibly Rich & Savory Sauce: The garlic butter Parmesan sauce is the heart of this dish – luscious, flavorful, and utterly addictive. This is key to any great Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe.
• Perfect Pasta Pairing: Rigatoni’s large tubes and ridges are ideal for holding onto that incredible sauce and chunks of chicken.
• Tender & Juicy Chicken: Perfectly pan-seared chicken pieces add a satisfying protein element and soak up the delicious sauce.
• Quick & Easy for Weeknights: Despite its gourmet appeal, this easy garlic butter chicken pasta with parmesan can be on your table in about 30-40 minutes.
• Comfort Food at its Finest: This dish is warm, satisfying, and provides that ultimate comfort food feeling.
• Uses Simple, Quality Ingredients: Relies on pantry staples and fresh components for maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The classic combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan is universally loved.

Gather Your Flavor Powerhouses: Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get our delicious components ready for this show-stopping Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe.

Key Ingredients (Serves 4):

• Rigatoni Pasta: 12 oz. Other tube-shaped pasta like penne or ziti can also work.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
• All-Purpose Flour (Optional, for coating chicken): 2 tablespoons.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, divided (½ tsp for chicken, ½ tsp for sauce/pasta water).
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, divided (¼ tsp for chicken, ¼ tsp for sauce).
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick), divided.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Garlic: 5-6 cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons).
• Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): 1 cup.
• Dry White Wine (Optional, for deglazing): ¼ cup (e.g., Pinot Grigio). Can substitute with more chicken broth.
• Heavy Cream (Optional, for extra creaminess): ¼ – ½ cup. This elevates it to a truly creamy rigatoni with chicken in garlic butter sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, freshly grated for best results, plus more for serving.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (plus more for garnish).
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Pinch, for a hint of warmth.

Crafting Your Comforting Creation: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s bring this delightful Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe to your table!

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni & Prep Chicken

1. Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 ½ cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rigatoni and set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and the optional 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (if using for a light coating).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Fats: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy.
2. Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned (and floured, if using) chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
3. Cook Until Golden: Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
4. Set Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Luscious Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic (and optional red pepper flakes). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be very careful not to burn the garlic. This is how to make garlic butter parmesan sauce for pasta that’s truly flavorful.
2. Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Introduce Cream & Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream (if using for that extra creamy touch). Gradually whisk in ½ cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Season Sauce: Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley (reserving some for garnish). Season the sauce with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or to your taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve Your Pasta Masterpiece

1. Unite Components: Add the cooked rigatoni and the seared chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter Parmesan sauce.
2. Toss to Coat: Gently toss everything together until the rigatoni and chicken are thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved starchy pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully. This is the magic of a great Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe.
3. Final Touches: Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve Hot: Divide your amazing Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe among warm serving bowls.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle generously with additional fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and watch it disappear! This best homemade chicken and rigatoni recipe is sure to be a hit.

Wise Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Ever

Elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe with these essential tips:

• Don’t Burn the Garlic: This is the most critical tip! Sauté garlic gently over medium-low heat.
• Save That Pasta Water: It’s starchy and helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamier and helping it cling to the pasta. Essential for this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan is Superior: Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly or taste as good as freshly grated.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken or Pasta: Keep chicken juicy and pasta al dente.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: The saltiness of broth and Parmesan can vary. Always taste and adjust the final seasoning of your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe.
• Use a Large Enough Skillet: You’ll need room to toss everything together without making a mess.

Delicious Variations to Explore

This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe is a wonderful canvas:

• Add Veggies: Sauté sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach (stir in at the end until wilted), steamed broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic or add them with the chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
• Lemon Brightness: Add the zest of one lemon along with the parsley for an extra fresh zing.
• Bacon Makes it Better: Add some crispy, crumbled cooked bacon as a garnish or stirred into the pasta.
• Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, a touch of Pecorino Romano or Asiago could add a different nutty depth.

Storing & Reheating Your Comforting Pasta

Enjoying your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe leftovers:

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess as it will thicken upon chilling. Stir frequently. You can also microwave, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Your top questions about this delicious pasta dish:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe?
   Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for capturing the sauce, other good choices include penne, ziti, fettuccine, linguine, or even shells. Adjust cooking time based on your pasta.
2. How can I make the sauce even creamier?
   Ensure you’re using heavy cream if the recipe calls for it as an option. Adding a bit more Parmesan cheese can also help thicken and enrich the sauce. A small amount of softened cream cheese (1-2 oz) whisked in can also boost creaminess for your creamy rigatoni with chicken in garlic butter sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or other gluten-free pasta. If you opt to coat the chicken, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
4. What if I don’t have white wine?
   No problem! You can simply deglaze the pan with a little extra chicken broth, or even just add the broth directly. The wine adds a subtle depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
5. Can I add vegetables to this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe?
   Definitely! Steamed broccoli florets, asparagus tips, peas, or sautéed mushrooms or spinach would all be wonderful additions. Add them along with the pasta and chicken when tossing with the sauce.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni recipe is the epitome of comforting, flavorful, and satisfying home cooking. It’s an easy garlic butter chicken pasta with parmesan that feels special enough for a weekend but is quick enough for a quick weeknight garlic butter pasta with chicken. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta are a match made in culinary heaven.

I am so excited for you to try this best homemade chicken and rigatoni recipe and experience the pure joy it brings. If you make it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you add any special touches? Happy cooking!