Description
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Perfect for those looking for quick weeknight dinners, easy pasta recipes, or indulgent dinner ideas. The rich Alfredo sauce clings to rigatoni, juicy garlic butter chicken adds depth, and the dish comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s a satisfying and irresistible crowd-pleaser for both family meals and dinner parties. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or need new food ideas, this easy recipe belongs in your rotation!
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups heavy cream
1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce. Toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce as needed.
6. Add chicken back to the skillet. Simmer together for 2 minutes.
7. Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a creamier texture.
Don’t skip the pasta water — it’s key to getting the sauce just right.
To make it lighter, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken Alfredo, comfort food, rigatoni recipe, quick pasta, food ideas, hearty meals