1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same pan, pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth and thickened.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken to the sauce.
- Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier texture.
- Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting dish!
Tips for the Best Creamy Rigatoni
✔️ Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it tender and juicy.
✔️ Balance the Sauce – Add a splash of lemon juice if it’s too rich.
✔️ Customize It – Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Delicious Variations
Garlic Spinach Version – Stir in fresh spinach at the end.
Extra Garlicky Pasta – Double the garlic for an intense kick.
Bacon Lover’s Edition – Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce.
Seafood Upgrade – Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle work great.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I reheat this dish?
Yes! Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
4. Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter.
5. Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce is rich, indulgent, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, date night, or a special treat, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Try it today & enjoy a creamy, garlicky bowl of comfort!