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Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni: Your New Comfort Meal

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni combines creamy indulgence with quick preparation for a delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Use any pasta shape if rigatoni isn't available.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Chicken Breast Can be substituted with thighs for a richer taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can use avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Replace with oregano and basil if unavailable.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Can use salted or unsalted as per preference.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic recommended for best taste.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Can replace with basil for different flavor notes.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat; adjust to your spice preference.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the rigatoni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rigatoni.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet with sauce, add cooked rigatoni, and toss until well-coated.
  8. Plate up your dish, garnish with additional Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 30gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor. Monitor sauce consistency and adjust with pasta water if needed. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

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