Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender, golden-seared chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked rigatoni creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The Parmesan ties it all together, adding a nutty, salty finish that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.

I love how this dish balances simplicity with bold flavors. The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken and pasta with deep, savory notes, while the rigatoni’s ridges hold onto all that delicious sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights, but impressive enough to serve when you want to treat yourself or your family to something truly delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

• Incredibly Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken, making each bite rich and delicious.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, buttery, and packed with garlic and Parmesan—this is pure comfort on a plate.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap the pasta, or spice it up to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this an excellent make-ahead option.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Rigatoni is my go-to for this dish because its ridges help hold onto the rich garlic butter sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. However, if you don’t have rigatoni on hand, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well, though smaller shapes like shells or elbow macaroni might not catch the sauce as effectively. For a slightly lighter version, whole wheat pasta adds a nutty depth, while gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary preferences.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just using what’s in your pantry, this dish is easy to tweak.

• Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breast, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully, adding extra juiciness and flavor. You can also use shrimp for a seafood twist or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Butter: Swap regular butter for ghee or olive oil if you prefer a different type of fat.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch—use about ½ teaspoon for every clove.
• Parmesan: If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano make great alternatives with a similar salty, nutty taste.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Pasta: As mentioned, you can swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or another pasta of your choice.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Rigatoni – The ridges on this pasta help capture the buttery garlic sauce, making every bite flavorful.
• Chicken Breast – Lean and tender, chicken breast soaks up the garlic butter, adding juicy, savory bites throughout the dish.
• Butter – The base of the sauce, butter creates a rich and velvety texture that enhances the garlic flavor.
• Garlic – The star of the dish! Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic notes.
• Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken, giving it a golden, crispy crust while keeping it moist inside.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together. Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth – Helps create a silky sauce while adding depth to the overall taste.
• Heavy Cream – Just a touch for extra creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing the flavors of every ingredient.
• Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – If you like a little kick, this adds the perfect touch of heat.

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Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds tons of flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Enjoy warm!

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How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cooking times:

• Rigatoni: About 10-12 minutes (or according to package instructions).
• Chicken: 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Around 5 minutes to develop flavor and blend with the other ingredients.
• Final Assembly: 2-3 minutes to combine everything and let the flavors meld.

In total, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in about 30 minutes!

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor—avoid pre-minced garlic in a jar, which can be less aromatic.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the rigatoni to al dente ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Sear the Chicken Properly: A golden crust on the chicken adds extra depth and keeps it juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of sear.
• Reserve Pasta Water: A little starchy pasta water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce. Add it gradually to get the right consistency.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be grainy and doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated Parmesan.
• Balance the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute.
• Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan right before serving enhances both the flavor and presentation.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Rigatoni should be al dente so it holds up well in the sauce. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water helps create a smooth, glossy sauce. Don’t forget to save some before draining.
• Not Letting the Chicken Brown: Searing the chicken properly locks in moisture and adds flavor. If your pan is too crowded or the heat is too low, the chicken will steam instead of developing a golden crust.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and burnt garlic turns bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently when cooking it.
• Adding Parmesan Too Quickly: Parmesan should be added off the heat or on low heat to prevent clumping or becoming grainy.
• Overloading the Sauce with Cream: While a little heavy cream adds richness, too much can overpower the garlic butter flavor and make the dish too heavy.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This dish is rich and flavorful, so it pairs well with lighter sides that balance the meal.

1. Garlic Bread

A classic side that soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce—because there’s no such thing as too much garlic!

2. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with arugula, spinach, or romaine dressed in a light vinaigrette adds brightness and contrast.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers bring color and extra nutrients to your meal.

4. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, healthy side that complements the creamy Parmesan sauce without overpowering it.

5. Sautéed Spinach

A quick side dish that adds greens to your plate without much effort.

6. Bruschetta

The fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

7. White or Red Wine

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this dish.

8. Lemon Wedges

A squeeze of fresh lemon over the pasta brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan stores well for easy meals later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but you can loosen it with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and reheat gently while stirring to bring the sauce back together.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or milk to keep the sauce smooth. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out the pasta and chicken.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on four servings):

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: ~42g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fat: ~28g
• Saturated Fat: ~12g
• Cholesterol: ~110mg
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~3g

Note: These numbers may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni is ideal for holding onto the sauce, penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can work well. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

2. How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the butter, and opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat everything in the sauce to keep it fresh and flavorful.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent dryness. If microwaving, stir every 30 seconds to keep the sauce smooth.

5. How do I add more flavor?

For extra depth, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can save time. Just toss it in the sauce at the end to warm it up.

7. What’s a good substitute for Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano are great alternatives with a similar salty, nutty flavor.

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and replace the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the perfect comfort food—rich, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or serving it to guests, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends so they can enjoy it too!

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