Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce! This dish combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with perfectly cooked rigatoni in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner for guests, this easy, restaurant-quality pasta is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Creamy and Rich – A buttery, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
✔ Simple Yet Flavorful – Made with staple ingredients for a gourmet taste.
✔ One-Pan Recipe – Cooks quickly with minimal cleanup!
✔ Family Favorite – Perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
• In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring until smooth.
• Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

• Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
• Toss the rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring it's fully coated.
• Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

✅ Make It Lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
✅ Spice It Up – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
✅ Add Veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
✅ Use a Different Protein – Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're cooking for family, date night, or meal prep, this easy pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!