Crispy, golden chicken bites, rich garlic butter, and a creamy Alfredo sauce over perfectly cooked rigatoni—this dish is everything you crave in comfort food. It’s got that indulgent restaurant-style flavor with the cozy, homemade touch that makes it perfect for both a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe hits the spot. The seared, seasoned chicken adds that satisfying crunch, while the cheesy Alfredo sauce wraps every bite of rigatoni in creamy goodness. It’s a flavor-packed, one-plate wonder you’ll come back to again and again.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They’re easy to slice into uniform bite-sized pieces and stay juicy when seared with garlic butter. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully too, adding a slightly richer flavor. Just make sure your chicken is patted dry before seasoning to get that perfect golden crust.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

Chicken Breasts – Lean, tender, and easy to sear to a golden crust.
Rigatoni Pasta – Its ridges hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly.
Butter – Essential for that rich, golden garlic sear.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with deep flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty depth.
Heavy Cream – The backbone of a luscious Alfredo sauce.
Italian Seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs to season the chicken bites.
Olive Oil – Helps achieve a beautifully browned crust on the chicken.
Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances every other flavor in the dish.
Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of freshness and color to the plate.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and sear until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, then add grated Parmesan. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

Add the cooked rigatoni to the Alfredo sauce and stir gently to coat. Return the chicken bites to the skillet and fold them in. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot!

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni

Serve this dish piping hot right after preparation to enjoy the creamy Alfredo texture and crispy chicken contrast. It’s a great main dish for a family dinner or even a cozy date night at home. Add extra Parmesan and red chili flakes if you’re into bold flavor.

To store, let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stovetop on low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, just reheat in intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

To soak up every drop of that rich Alfredo sauce, warm, buttery garlic bread is a no-brainer.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing cut through the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A tray of oven-roasted broccoli with olive oil and lemon adds a fresh green balance.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These pair especially well with the creamy, savory profile of the Alfredo.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a juicy and refreshing note to the plate.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick, garlicky spinach provides nutrients and a slight bitterness that complements the creaminess.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.

Antipasto Platter

Serve it before the pasta to set the tone with olives, artichokes, cured meats, and cheese.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy chicken pasta made your taste buds sing, you’ll absolutely want to try these next:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for a quick twist with simple pantry staples.
Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta if you want a deeper, smokier flavor.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for an alternative with bold beefy richness.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe to add greens to your creamy comfort.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe when you want to mix up the meat but keep the creamy vibe.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cheese? Toss in mushrooms or spinach?

I love seeing your versions and swaps. Ask away if you have questions—let’s make dinner even better together.

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