Julia Walton
Golden, juicy chicken bites coated in garlic butter, smothered in a luscious Alfredo sauce, and paired with perfectly cooked rigatoni – this dish is pure comfort in a bowl. The crispy edges of the chicken give way to tender, flavorful bites that mingle with creamy cheese sauce and pasta for a mouthwatering experience.
Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce hugs every rigatoni tube, while the herbed chicken adds a savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
What Makes This Chicken and Pasta Combo So Irresistible?
The secret lies in two things: the garlic butter seared chicken and the rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. When the pasta soaks up that velvety, cheesy goodness, every bite becomes a burst of comfort food heaven. Plus, using rigatoni instead of spaghetti gives the dish a hearty, rustic texture.
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce
- Chicken breast or thighs – Tender, juicy pieces that absorb the garlic butter seasoning.
- Butter – Infuses the chicken and sauce with rich flavor.
- Fresh garlic – A must for that classic aromatic base.
- Heavy cream – Forms the creamy body of the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheese – Create a melty, cheesy sauce that clings to every rigatoni.
- Rigatoni pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully with its ridges and hollow center.
- Olive oil & Italian herbs – Enhance the chicken’s flavor and add depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors in every component.
How To Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This step ensures that each piece is flavorful from the start.
Step 2 – Sear in Garlic Butter
In a large skillet, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Rigatoni
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve a small cup of pasta water for later use in the sauce.
Step 4 – Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter and a splash of cream. Stir in grated Parmesan and mozzarella until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for a silkier texture.
Step 5 – Combine and Serve
Add the cooked rigatoni to the Alfredo sauce, then fold in the garlic butter chicken bites. Toss until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce
This dish is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet to the plate, when the cheese is perfectly melty, and the sauce is rich and creamy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce?
Garlic Bread
A crispy, buttery side that soaks up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce with a tangy dressing offers the perfect fresh contrast.
Roasted Vegetables
Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrients to your meal.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic make a refreshing side.
Sautéed Spinach
A quick, garlicky green side that complements the rich pasta.
Crispy Parmesan Asparagus
A crunchy, cheesy side that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Lemon-Herb Green Beans
Adds a light, zesty balance to the hearty Alfredo flavors.
Want More Comforting Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce, here are a few more recipes from SavorQueen that will make your dinner table shine:
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine
- Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta
- Spicy Cajun Steak Mozzarella Alfredo Pasta
- Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of white wine in the sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Velvety Parmesan Linguine
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for Pasta
- Tongs
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan, simmer until thickened.
- Add drained pasta to sauce, tossing to coat. Use pasta water if needed.
- Slice chicken and serve over pasta. Garnish with parsley.