Lorenzo Devereaux
Golden, juicy chicken paired with tender rigatoni smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan sauce — this dish is the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. The perfectly seared chicken adds smoky depth, while the rich sauce clings to every pasta curve, creating the ultimate forkful every time.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, an at-home date night, or just a cozy solo treat, this recipe delivers restaurant-level indulgence with minimal fuss. And the best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?
Rigatoni is ideal for holding creamy sauces, thanks to its ridges and tube-like shape. Bronze-cut rigatoni tends to grab onto sauce better due to its slightly rough texture, but any quality rigatoni will work. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free options, feel free to swap in your favorite alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Lean protein that cooks up juicy and golden when seared.
- Rigatoni Pasta – The perfect pasta shape for catching creamy cheese sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves add bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Nutty, salty, and the backbone of our creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Brings the luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps bloom the garlic flavor.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for searing chicken to a beautiful golden crust.
- Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning at every step to enhance flavors.
How To Make Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet used for chicken, lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Slice and Add Chicken
Slice the seared chicken into strips and arrange over the cheesy rigatoni. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and hot. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
What to Serve With Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Garlic Bread
The ultimate partner for scooping up extra sauce.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
A fresh, crisp veggie side that echoes the Parmesan in the pasta.
Caesar Salad
Its tangy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a light contrast.
Bruschetta
Crispy bread with a tomato-basil topping brightens the meal.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Adds an earthy, slightly bitter green to balance the creamy pasta.
Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes
Nutty and slightly sweet veggies complement the savory sauce.
Antipasto Platter
Olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables for a Mediterranean touch.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting favorites:
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic or keep it mild? Did you toss in extra veggies for color?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Cheesy Rigatoni with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta pot
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 0.5 cup pasta water, reserved
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt divided
- 0.5 tsp black pepper divided
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry; season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and 165°F. Tent with foil.
- Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter; when foamy, cook garlic 30–60 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream; simmer gently 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Season sauce with remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Add rigatoni and a splash of pasta water; toss until glossy and well coated.
- Slice chicken; nestle over pasta and spoon over a little sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan; serve hot.