Imagine twirling a fork through rich, velvety rigatoni noodles coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, each bite bursting with tender pieces of golden-seared chicken. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is pure comfort food bliss, blending savory flavors with a creamy finish that makes it impossible to stop at one helping.

Whether you need a satisfying weeknight dinner or you’re craving a homemade pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy, this recipe delivers. It balances cozy flavors with gourmet elegance, and best of all, it doesn’t require complicated steps or rare ingredients. Just pantry staples, a skillet, and a craving for something absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is everything you want in a hearty pasta dinner. The rigatoni holds the creamy garlic butter sauce perfectly, making every bite flavor-packed. The chicken is seasoned and seared to perfection, giving a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce. Add in parmesan, cream, and a touch of herbs, and you get a satisfying meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as is or add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flair. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a date night in, or meal prep for the week, this dish never disappoints.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are both great choices for this dish. Thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly. The key is cutting the chicken into evenly sized chunks so they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden sear.

If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it at the end to warm through. But for the best texture and flavor, a quick pan-sear with some seasoning is absolutely worth it.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

The ingredients for this rigatoni dish are all about building layers of flavor and creating that silky, rich sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. While the recipe is simple, every component plays a key role in delivering bold, comforting taste.

Rigatoni pasta
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Each ingredient is essential here: the rigatoni offers a sturdy shape to capture the sauce, while butter and olive oil form the base of the flavor. Garlic brings that unmistakable aroma, and the cream and parmesan turn it into a luscious, cheesy sauce. A bit of chicken broth adds depth, while Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper round everything out.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni Easy Homemade Recipe 2

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then add in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more parmesan before serving hot.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni is best served fresh from the skillet, when the sauce is still silky and warm. It makes a generous meal for about four people, perfect for family dinners or when you want leftovers for lunch the next day.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy texture. Avoid overheating, as it may cause the cream to separate.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with crusty garlic bread. It soaks up the creamy sauce and completes the comfort food experience.

Caesar Salad

The crispness of romaine with creamy Caesar dressing brings freshness to balance the richness of the rigatoni.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds a nutty flavor and a healthy green element that pairs beautifully with this pasta.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing, tangy bite to contrast the butteriness of the sauce.

Sauteed Green Beans

Quickly sauteed green beans with lemon and garlic work well as a crunchy, light side.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

A touch of sweetness and acidity from the balsamic glaze adds depth to your meal.

Lemon Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta.

White Wine

If you’re pairing with a drink, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay enhances the creamy garlic flavor without overpowering it.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this creamy garlic butter chicken rigatoni, then you’re in for a treat with these other delicious recipes on Mia Plates:

Try the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a meaty, comforting twist on classic pasta.
Check out this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, savory dinner.
The Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce blends bold flavor with creamy indulgence.
Don’t miss the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you want extra cheesiness.
For a one-pot wonder, try the One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta that’s full of smoky, savory bites.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know how yours turns out. Did you use chicken thighs or breasts? Maybe you added spinach or mushrooms? I love seeing your twists on these recipes.

Feel free to ask questions too—let’s help each other cook better, one meal at a time.

Explore more creamy pasta dishes and satisfying comfort food ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest.