If you’re in the mood for something rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is your ticket to pasta paradise. This dish takes the comfort of creamy garlic butter sauce and melds it with tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests with a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers. It’s fast enough for a quick dinner and luxurious enough for a special occasion. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This pasta recipe is a flavor bomb thanks to garlic butter, Parmesan, and juicy seared chicken. The creaminess clings to every piece of rigatoni, making each bite satisfying. It also comes together in under 40 minutes—quick enough for a busy weeknight but rich enough to make any night feel indulgent.

You can customize it easily with spinach, mushrooms, or even a splash of white wine if you’re feeling fancy. It’s also a one-pan wonder if you boil your pasta ahead, meaning fewer dishes and more time enjoying the food.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

Rigatoni with ridges (rigate) is your best bet for this dish. The grooves grip onto the creamy garlic butter sauce, holding in every drop of flavor. Avoid smooth rigatoni, which lets the sauce slide off.

If you’re in a pinch, penne rigate or ziti will work, but nothing quite beats rigatoni for texture and heartiness. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t go soggy when you toss it in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

To make this comforting pasta dish, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients that pack a punch:

Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it’s perfect for absorbing the garlic butter flavor while staying juicy.
Rigatoni Pasta: The ideal pasta shape for soaking up rich sauces, especially with those deep ridges.
Garlic: Lots of minced garlic is essential for the savory backbone of the dish.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness while creating a luxurious, creamy base.
Heavy Cream: Brings richness and silkiness to the sauce, binding everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for bold, salty depth that melts perfectly into the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Just enough to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden-brown finish without burning the butter.
Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herby lift to finish the dish.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in cooked rigatoni and toss well to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a small family dinner or meal prep for a few days. To serve, plate the rigatoni while it’s still piping hot and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that restaurant-style finish.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk before warming in a skillet or microwave to bring back the silky sauce texture.

Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce can split and lose its luscious consistency.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Pair your pasta with sides that complement its richness while adding balance and texture:

Garlic Bread

A crusty, golden piece of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crunch from romaine lettuce and croutons contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly charred broccoli adds a smoky, healthy touch that balances the richness.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella on skewers offer a refreshing, bite-sized side.

Lemon Asparagus

Bright and zesty asparagus spears lift the palate after each rich forkful.

Crispy Zucchini Chips

A crunchy, veggie-based snack that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Olive Tapenade with Crostini

For a salty, briny contrast, serve this savory spread on toasted baguette slices.

Sparkling Lemon Water

A refreshing drink that cuts through the creaminess and refreshes your taste buds.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, don’t miss these other comforting, flavor-packed pasta dishes from NoraNosh:

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a seafood twist on a creamy garlic classic.
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce for a heartier, beefy variation.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that brings bold sun-dried tomato flavor into a creamy base.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a meaty, velvety delight.
Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole if you’re craving an oven-baked version loaded with flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or add veggies? Did you try it with a different protein?

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

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Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Author: Nora
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish—Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni. This creamy, savory comfort food blends juicy chicken breast with garlic butter sauce and rigatoni pasta, creating a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish checks all the boxes for quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy snack, and comforting dinner ideas. It’s rich yet balanced, with just the right touch of indulgence and a silky sauce that clings to every bite.

Instructions

1. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked rigatoni. Toss well to coat in the sauce.

5. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Make sure to cook the rigatoni al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.

For extra richness, try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter before the cream goes in.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 25
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 610
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 320
Fat: 36
Saturated Fat: 18
Unsaturated Fat: 15
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 44
Fiber: 2
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 110

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, garlic butter pasta, dinner ideas, easy recipe