Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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Get ready for your next comfort food obsession. This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and flavor. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni, it brings restaurant-worthy comfort straight to your home kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish impresses without any fuss. It combines pantry staples like garlic, butter, cream, and pasta into a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare—but really comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

It’s the creamy sauce that makes this pasta so memorable. The garlic-infused butter creates a decadent base, while a splash of cream and a handful of Parmesan take it to the next level. Chicken adds protein to keep things hearty, and rigatoni is ideal for catching every drop of that velvety sauce.

You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add spinach for a pop of green, mushrooms for extra umami, or swap the chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s comfort food with endless possibilities.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully for this recipe. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while breasts cook a bit faster and are leaner. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re in a pinch—just be sure to stir it in toward the end so it stays tender and doesn’t overcook.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy pasta dish is all about rich flavor, and each ingredient plays a key role in making it unforgettable. The butter and garlic form the base of the sauce, while the cream adds luxurious texture and the chicken brings substance. Rigatoni is the perfect pasta shape to hold all that creamy goodness.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice or dice.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about a minute.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, then serve warm. Creamy, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This rigatoni dish is best served hot off the stove when the sauce is silky and the flavors are at their peak. It makes a comforting meal for four people, but you can easily double it for a crowd or halve it for a cozy date night.

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with a buttery, crispy slice of garlic bread to scoop up extra sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, citrusy contrast to the richness of the rigatoni.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed with olive oil and a pinch of chili flakes, roasted broccoli adds a healthy, crisp side.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

This pairing creates the ultimate cozy dinner. A bowl of mushroom soup adds earthiness that balances out the creamy pasta.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella bring a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Rounds

Easy to prep and perfectly cheesy, these make a satisfying yet light side dish.

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Quick to cook and full of nutrients, this pairs beautifully with the garlic notes in the sauce.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

For a refreshing sip, serve a glass of lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, you’re in for a treat with these other pasta favorites:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a savory, smoky variation.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta if you’re craving a spicy, Southern-inspired kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a meatless, rich and earthy pasta night.
• Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce when you’re in the mood for a bold and cozy fusion twist.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta if you’re into bite-sized comfort with big flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use thighs or breasts? Add mushrooms or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make weeknight cooking fun and flavorful.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and dinner recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for cozy cravings: Luna Meals on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. It’s warm, savory, and packed with flavor from ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s just as satisfying to cook as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting, meal-prepping, or treating yourself, this one’s bound to become a regular favorite.

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