Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

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Comfort food lovers, this one’s for you. Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It combines tender bites of golden-seared chicken with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every ridged piece of rigatoni. Add a handful of fresh herbs and grated parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, flavorful pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining, this creamy rigatoni comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s rich, indulgent, and hits all the right notes with a balance of savory garlic, mellow creaminess, and juicy chicken. You’ll want seconds—and probably thirds.

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What Makes This Garlic Butter Rigatoni So Good?

It’s all about that garlic butter sauce. By building flavor from the base—sautéed garlic in butter, then deglazed with broth and cream—you end up with a velvety sauce that feels like something from a fancy restaurant, but made in your own kitchen. The rigatoni’s shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, while the chicken adds protein-packed comfort to every bite.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Rigatoni Pasta – The ridges trap the creamy sauce for flavor in every bite.

Chicken Breast – Cut into chunks for a quick sear and juicy interior.

Garlic Cloves – Sautéed to release their mellow, nutty aroma and depth.

Butter – Forms the rich foundation of the sauce.

Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious, creamy texture of the dish.

Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan.

Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated for salty, nutty umami.

Salt & Black Pepper – To bring balance and enhance all the other flavors.

Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.

Fresh Parsley or Basil – Optional, but adds color and fresh flavor to finish.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain, but reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to deglaze the pan. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in grated parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.

Step 6: Toss in Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing to coat until everything is silky and evenly combined.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra parmesan and chopped fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy hot with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet to the plate, when the sauce is at its creamiest. It’s rich enough to serve on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a side salad or bread.

If you’re storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream and warm it gently on the stove to revive the sauce’s silkiness.

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What to Serve With This Creamy Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread or Baguette

A crisp slice of garlic bread makes the perfect companion for mopping up any extra sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

Something green and roasted brings great texture and lightness to the plate.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil add color and freshness.

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Crispy, cheesy zucchini sticks make a tasty and wholesome side.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms deepen the savory flavors when served on the side or even stirred into the pasta.

White Wine (Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)

A glass of dry white wine pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this garlic butter rigatoni is your kind of comfort food, here are more cozy pasta creations you’ll enjoy:

• Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs for a sweet-savory protein pairing.
• Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet for a creamy one-pan family favorite.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan with extra parmesan flavor.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving some heat.
• Lemon Chive Creamy Shrimp Pasta for a bright seafood twist.

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Save This Pin For Later

Bookmark this creamy, garlicky pasta delight to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find the next time you need a comforting meal.

Have your own version? Try it with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even spinach? Share your take in the comments.

Looking for more indulgent pasta recipes? Discover what I’m cooking every day on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite bowlful.

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