Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, bite-sized.; 3 tablespoons butter.; 3 garlic cloves, minced.; 1 cup chicken broth.; 1 cup heavy cream.; 1 cup Parmesan, freshly grated.; 12 ounces rigatoni pasta.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; Fresh parsley for garnish.

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes straight out of an Italian trattoria, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is about to earn a spot on your greatest hits list! Imagine al dente rigatoni tangled up in a creamy Parmesan sauce, dotted with juicy golden chicken and the kind of garlicky aroma that guarantees everyone comes running to the table. It’s comforting, rich, and dazzlingly simple to pull together, making it my go-to when I need something both impressive and easy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is how the magic comes from such simple, everyday ingredients. Each addition brings something special to the pan: vibrant color, luscious texture, or incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless chicken breasts (1 pound): Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the fantastic flavors from the sauce.
Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps develop flavor at every stage, from browning the chicken to building the sauce base.
Fresh garlic cloves (3, minced): The fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that signature, mouthwatering aroma.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Deepens the sauce with savory notes, perfectly balancing the creaminess.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For that luxuriously silky, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of pasta.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor; pre-shredded just can’t compare!
Rigatoni pasta (12 ounces): The sturdy tubes grab onto the sauce, giving you the perfect bite every time.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This dried herb blend is an easy way to layer extra rustic flavor into the chicken.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the savory elements without going overboard.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, gentle heat that completes the dish.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkling parsley over the top not only makes your plate pop, but also freshens every bite.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente — tender but still with some bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the chicken and sauce. You want the pasta ready and waiting so it can soak up the hot sauce the second it’s finished.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, toss your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, making sure they’re evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Move the perfectly seared chicken to a plate for a quick rest while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

Into the same pan (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic. Cook for just about a minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is deliciously fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step smells heavenly, so prepare for your kitchen to be instantly more inviting!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring things to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan until everything is smooth and you have a dreamy, rich sauce. Let it bubble away gently for another 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens to just the right consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet. Add your rigatoni, and gently toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated, the chicken is distributed throughout, and the sauce clings to every bite. If it looks a little too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it up. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the whole pan with a generous shower of fresh parsley. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni piping hot, straight from the skillet, and watch everyone dive in with big smiles and even bigger forks!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy finish, be generous with extra Parmesan grated over the top and a pretty scattering of freshly chopped parsley. If you like a little kick, add a light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. These garnishes add a vibrant pop of color and even more flavor, elevating every plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and comforting, so it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or steamed green beans for a bit of freshness. Crusty bread is practically a must for mopping up any leftover sauce — nobody wants to leave that behind! You could even serve seasoned roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni in a large shallow platter, garnished tableside. For individual servings, nestle twirls of pasta into pasta bowls and top with extra chicken and parsley so everyone feels special. For a party, try filling mini ramekins with the pasta, adding a pinch more Parmesan on top, and broiling for 1-2 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni keeps beautifully! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors deepen as it sits and it will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just be sure to stir it well before reheating to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for a future dinner win, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label with the date and enjoy within 1 to 2 months for best taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to minimize changes in sauce consistency.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen up the sauce and restore its silky texture. Stir occasionally and heat through until piping hot. The microwave works too, but use a lower power and cover the dish so the pasta doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect because its tube shape traps all that creamy sauce, penne, ziti, or even fettuccine work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I make it lighter?

If you want a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. You’ll sacrifice a bit of richness, but the results are still delicious and satisfying.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free pasta for the rigatoni and double-check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. You’ll have all the flavor of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni with none of the gluten.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Of course! Stir in baby spinach at the end for wilted greens, or toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, color, and nutrition.

What’s the best way to grate Parmesan for this recipe?

Always opt for a wedge of real Parmesan and grate it yourself with a microplane or box grater. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother into the sauce and gives the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni unbeatable flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, it’s hard not to crave it again and again. It’s just the right mix of cozy and classy, making even a regular night feel special. Give it a spot on your meal plan and enjoy the rave reviews — you deserve it!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy and flavorful, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, al dente rigatoni pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons butter. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden, 6-8 minutes.
Start Sauce: Add remaining butter and garlic to pan. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Build Sauce: Add broth, simmer 3-4 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
Combine: Return chicken to pan. Add pasta and toss until coated.
Finish: Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian