Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a cozy blanket and makes any evening feel special. Tender, juicy chicken bites seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni, and showered with freshly grated Parmesan. It’s simple, soul-warming, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or need a hearty dish to impress guests, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It combines the depth of savory garlic and butter with the satisfying texture of rigatoni, all tied together with the creamy nuttiness of Parmesan. It’s everything you want in a pasta dish and nothing you don’t.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

You’ll love this dish because it strikes the perfect balance between decadent and easy. It’s packed with flavor thanks to a base of garlic and butter, with juicy chunks of chicken that soak it all in. The rigatoni is ideal for catching every drop of the silky sauce, and Parmesan takes it up another notch with its salty, umami richness. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they remain moist and tender during cooking. However, chicken breast works well too if you prefer a leaner option. The key is to cut it into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking. If you’re in a rush, even rotisserie chicken can work in a pinch—just toss it in the garlic butter right before combining with the pasta.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

The ingredients in this pasta are simple, but each one plays an important role in building rich, comforting flavor. From the base of garlic butter to the bold finish of Parmesan, you’ll want to gather everything before starting.

• Rigatoni
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Garlic
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Rigatoni is the perfect shape to soak up the buttery garlic sauce and hold onto that luscious Parmesan. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, especially when seared golden. Garlic and butter are the stars of this show, creating the base for the flavor-packed sauce. Olive oil helps get a perfect sear on the chicken. Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning keep the flavor balanced and warm, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan for richness, and a sprinkle of parsley for a bit of color and freshness.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic butter. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until it melts and coats the pasta. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

This dish is rich enough to stand alone but also makes a great base for a larger spread. It comfortably feeds four hungry people, or six if you’re serving it with sides. When serving, make sure everyone gets a generous scoop of that garlic butter-coated rigatoni and juicy chunks of chicken. A final flurry of Parmesan and parsley right before the plate hits the table adds both brightness and aroma.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the butter sauce can separate.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for mopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce on your plate.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Add a dose of green with roasted broccoli florets, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze offer a bright, tangy balance to this creamy dish.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick-cooked spinach with garlic complements the pasta’s flavors without overpowering them.

Antipasto Platter

Create a grazing board with cured meats, marinated vegetables, and olives for a fun starter.

Lemon Asparagus

The citrus zing of lemony asparagus brings a nice contrast to the buttery richness.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Not every pairing needs to be food—a glass of sparkling lemon water refreshes the palate perfectly between bites.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re all about the creamy, savory comfort of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan, you’re going to want to check out these other favorites:

• Try the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for another easy, rich pasta night winner.
• Whip up this Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving something quick and extra satisfying.
• The Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings bold flavors to your bowl.
• This Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta is a perfect weeknight comfort option.
• One-Pot fan? Don’t miss the One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for an easy clean-up meal with loads of flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a little lemon zest or extra chili flakes? Did you go full cheese mode with more Parmesan?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and comforting pastas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite meal.

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