Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken and rigatoni to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer to serving plates or a large serving dish.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Tips

• Fresh Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with this dish.
• Adjust Sauce: Reserve pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta better and keeps it creamy.
• Protein Swap: Chicken thighs can be used for juicier meat, or shrimp for a seafood variation.

Serving Suggestions