When comfort food calls, Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo answers with creamy richness and hearty satisfaction. This dish combines tender chunks of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce that wraps everything in luscious flavor. With each bite, the cheesy garlic creaminess melts through the pasta while the chicken adds just the right touch of savory depth.

It’s one of those weeknight dinners that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re serving it up for the family or planning a cozy dinner for two, Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add broccoli, mushrooms, or swap in different cheeses to make it your own.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this indulgent recipe, make sure you have the right tools ready. These essentials will save time and help you create a smoother, more enjoyable cooking experience:

Large Pot: Needed for boiling the rigatoni until al dente. Rigatoni has ridges that hold sauce beautifully, but it needs a full boil for ideal texture.
Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: Perfect for cooking the chicken and combining it with the Alfredo sauce. A deep pan helps mix everything evenly.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: To cube the chicken breasts uniformly, ensuring even cooking.
Colander: For draining pasta quickly without losing heat.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key when balancing cream, garlic, and cheese.

Having these on hand streamlines your cooking flow and guarantees a pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and Instagram-worthy.

Ingredients for the Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo

Let’s talk ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and creamy texture that make this dish irresistible:

Rigatoni Pasta: This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta holds onto the Alfredo sauce and chicken pieces for perfect bites every time.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, they’re seared to golden perfection for a juicy, savory base.
Heavy Cream: The heart of Alfredo sauce—it creates the velvety, indulgent texture that clings to every noodle.
Fresh Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic depth and pairs flawlessly with the creamy sauce.

Butter: Adds richness and rounds out the flavor of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts into the cream, giving the sauce its signature cheesy pull.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.

Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken, locking in flavor and moisture.
Chopped Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs for brightness and color.

How To Make the Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once it starts to simmer, slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the Alfredo sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and top with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and creamy!

How to Serve and Store Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo

When serving Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo, go for warm, shallow bowls to keep the creamy sauce cozy and contained. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is also a perfect match for soaking up every bit of Alfredo sauce.

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore its silky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the sauce.

You can also freeze this dish, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and reheat on the stovetop for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can simply substitute the rigatoni with a certified gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check that your Parmesan cheese and any other additions are also gluten-free.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or cube it and add it when combining everything in the Alfredo sauce.

What other cheeses work well in Alfredo sauce?

While Parmesan is the classic, Romano, Asiago, or even Gruyère can be used for different flavor twists. Just make sure it melts smoothly.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Broccoli, spinach, peas, or mushrooms all pair wonderfully with Alfredo and can be added during the final mixing stage.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little cream or milk added. Stir constantly until warm and creamy again. This keeps the sauce from separating or drying out.

Is this good for meal prep?

It can be! Just keep the sauce and pasta separate if possible, and combine right before serving for the best texture.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If creamy pasta dishes like this Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo make your weeknight better, check out these other mouthwatering meals from Life With Olivia:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce — for a richer garlic twist.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole — cozy and comforting with a homestyle flair.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta — perfect if you want to sneak in some greens.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup — all the Alfredo flavors in a warm, spoonable form.

Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta — if you’re craving bold, zesty heat.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or spinach? Did you swap the pasta or try a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s make every pasta night unforgettable.

Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chunks of chicken tossed in a homemade garlic-Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend comfort meal, this recipe balances richness with simplicity—and is easily customizable with your favorite veggies or cheese blends.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream and stir constantly. When it begins to simmer, gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.

5. Return chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked rigatoni. Toss to combine and coat with Alfredo sauce.

6. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and optional parsley garnish.