Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the definition of cozy weeknight comfort food. With tender chunks of pan-seared chicken, coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and folded into perfectly cooked rigatoni, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The golden crust on the chicken paired with a creamy finish and subtle spice makes it hard to put your fork down.

Whether you’re serving family dinner, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this rigatoni checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, savory, quick to prep, and endlessly satisfying. Bonus: it reheats beautifully, making it a top pick for meal preppers and next-day lunches.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To set yourself up for success, make sure you have these essentials ready:

Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Needed for searing the chicken and building the garlic butter sauce. A heavy-bottomed skillet retains heat evenly, giving your chicken that perfect golden brown sear.
Large Pot for Pasta: Rigatoni needs plenty of space to cook evenly without sticking. Salt the water generously to season the pasta from within.
Colander: For draining the pasta quickly while retaining just enough starchy water to help emulsify the sauce.

Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Efficiently cube your chicken and prep garlic and herbs.
Tongs or a Silicone Spatula: Ideal for flipping the chicken pieces without tearing, and for folding everything together gently at the end.

Having the right tools not only makes the process smoother but also enhances the final taste and texture of your Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, this provides a lean and protein-rich base that absorbs the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
Rigatoni Pasta: Rigatoni’s ridges and tube shape are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for infusing the butter with deep, aromatic flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Acts as the sauce base, delivering richness and smooth texture without overpowering salt.
Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and balances the garlic, creating a luscious coating for the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, umami depth and helps thicken the sauce slightly.

Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to get that golden, crisp exterior.
Salt & Black Pepper: The foundational seasoning duo that enhances every other ingredient.
Italian Seasoning or Dried Herbs: A blend of herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) to add subtle earthy notes.

Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, color, and a touch of brightness.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rigatoni

While the chicken cooks, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cream and a bit of reserved pasta water, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and gently toss until everything is well-coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy it hot and creamy!

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Serve this dish piping hot, straight from the skillet to the table. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan adds restaurant-quality flair. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Storing leftovers is easy: let the pasta cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. It also freezes well for up to 2 months if packed in a freezer-safe container.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for quick cooking, but you can also use boneless thighs for extra juiciness.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine can work well. Just choose something that holds sauce nicely.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?

Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version that still brings the richness.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook just until golden and no longer pink inside.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Try adding spinach, broccoli, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?

Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating on low heat, and stir gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni, here are more hearty pasta dishes to try next:

One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for sweet heat lovers.
Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails when you’re in the mood for indulgence.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you’re craving beefy richness.

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta for a spicy tropical twist.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese that combines two comfort classics in one.

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 toss in extra herbs or add a veggie twist? Maybe swapped cream for Greek yogurt?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes their dishes. Don’t be shy—share your tips, ask questions, and let’s keep the kitchen conversations going!

Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, comforting, and full of garlic butter flavor—this Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is the ultimate one-pan dinner. Seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce come together for a meal the whole family will love.

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

4. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Stir in heavy cream and some of the reserved pasta water. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Return chicken to the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted.

7. Add cooked rigatoni and gently toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.

8. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.