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.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, diced
12 oz rigatoni pasta
4 tablespoons salted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
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.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when cooking the garlic.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente gives the best texture in creamy sauces.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Broil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken pasta, creamy Alfredo, comfort food, pasta bake