Craving something rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to please a hungry crowd? This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce hits every comforting note your taste buds desire. Think tender chicken simmered in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, folded into creamy Alfredo with rigatoni pasta and blanketed in melted cheese—every forkful delivers warmth and indulgence.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is an easy, flavor-packed favorite that never fails to impress. The creamy texture, garlic-kissed chicken, and cheesy finish make it one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again when comfort food calls.

What Kind of Rigatoni Should I Use?

For this recipe, traditional rigatoni with ridges is ideal. The tube shape and ridged texture are perfect for grabbing onto all that creamy Alfredo and gooey cheese. If you can’t find rigatoni, penne or ziti can make decent substitutes—but rigatoni’s structure gives you the best bite.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Chicken breasts – Diced chicken breast adds a hearty, protein-rich component that soaks up the garlic butter for deep flavor.

Rigatoni pasta – Its sturdy shape holds up perfectly under the weight of creamy sauce and cheese.

Salted butter – Essential for building a rich garlic butter base.

Fresh garlic – Minced garlic infuses the butter with its unmistakable, aromatic punch.

Heavy cream – The heart of the Alfredo sauce, adding silkiness and depth.

Parmesan cheese – A salty, nutty element that melts beautifully into the sauce.

Mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey, stretchy cheesiness that completes the comfort factor.

Salt and pepper – Basic but necessary for seasoning every layer of this dish.

Fresh parsley – Optional, but offers a bright, fresh contrast to the richness.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Build the Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts completely. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained rigatoni. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated evenly with the Alfredo sauce.

Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Broil (Optional)

Transfer everything to a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, garlicky masterpiece!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Rigatoni Dish

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is best served straight from the oven while it’s still warm and the cheese is at its gooey peak. Spoon generous portions into bowls and pair it with your favorite side dish for a hearty meal. Leftovers? No problem. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. You can microwave it or reheat it gently on the stovetop.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect scoop for the extra sauce left in your bowl.

Caesar Salad

The cool crunch of romaine with creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing balance to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Add a pop of green and some roasted crispiness to balance out the indulgence.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring brightness to the plate.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Savory and crisp, they complement the creamy Alfredo notes beautifully.

Sautéed Green Beans

A quick skillet side that adds freshness and crunch.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This warm soup is great as a starter to set the tone for comfort food heaven.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Dip into the leftover Alfredo sauce with a piece of warm, crusty bread—heavenly.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, here are some other mouthwatering dishes to keep in your dinner rotation:

Try the Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a bold, beefy twist on creamy pasta.
Dig into the comforting layers of Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Skillet.
For something a little spicy, the Spicy Cajun Steak Mozzarella Alfredo Pasta brings heat and cream together.
If you want quick and cheesy, the Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta never disappoints.
Need a hearty bake? The Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is full of bold flavors and easy cleanup.

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 you swapped in smoked gouda or tossed in roasted veggies? 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. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 40
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

When you need something cozy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce hits every note. With tender chicken bathed in garlic butter, rich Alfredo cream, and melted mozzarella over rigatoni pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for quick meals, weeknight cravings, or weekend indulgence. It’s ideal if you’re looking for easy recipe ideas, dinner ideas with chicken, or creamy pasta dishes the whole family will devour. It’s a no-fail classic that belongs in your favorite food ideas list.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, then slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.

5. Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.

6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.