Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni – Easy Chicken Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken bites are coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce and tossed with rigatoni, then topped with parmesan cheese. This dish fits perfectly into your rotation of easy chicken recipes, quick and easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, easy food recipes, easy dinner recipes, easy pasta recipes, and even quick evening snacks easy recipes.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
4) How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
5) Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
6) Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
8) Try these Chicken recipes next!
9) Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

A comforting pasta recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends
Easy chicken recipes like this one are creamy, garlicky, and ultra-satisfying
Uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh chicken breast

2) Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni recipe from Elena Cooks is an all-time favorite for a reason. As far as easy chicken recipes go, this one checks every box: simple ingredients, quick cook time, rich flavor, and minimal cleanup. From the very first bite, you’ll fall in love with the buttery, garlicky cream sauce clinging to every rigatoni noodle. It’s hearty without being heavy and flavorful without being fussy. Perfect for busy families, date nights, or even solo dinners when you need something warm and comforting fast. You only need 30 minutes to whip up this pasta dish, and it’s so much better than takeout. With plenty of parmesan, tender chicken, and just a touch of herbs, it delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or gourmet lovers, this dish never fails to impress. It’s no wonder why it ranks high on our list of quick and easy recipes!

3) Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Rigatoni Pasta: Rigatoni’s ridged surface and wide tubes are perfect for catching all the rich garlic butter sauce. It holds up well to creamy textures and gives you a hearty bite every time. If you don’t have rigatoni, you can substitute it with penne or fusilli for similar results.

Olive Oil: A couple tablespoons of olive oil help get a beautiful sear on the chicken while also adding healthy fats to the dish. It’s a foundational flavor that enhances the garlic and balances the butter.

Butter: Butter is where the richness begins. It not only adds depth to the sauce but also coats the chicken and pasta in a silky texture that’s impossible to resist.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are lean, protein-packed, and cook up quickly. Cut them into chunks for even cooking. Chicken breasts are ideal here for easy chicken recipes because they absorb flavor well without becoming tough.

Salt and Pepper: A must-have for seasoning your chicken and bringing all the flavors together. Don’t underestimate what proper seasoning can do for a dish like this!

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with deep, aromatic flavor. Garlic butter is the heart of this pasta and defines the taste experience from the first bite to the last.

Italian Seasoning: A pinch of this brings in subtle herbal notes that lift the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce. Think oregano, basil, and thyme all working in harmony.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its decadent, creamy texture. It balances the garlic and butter beautifully, creating a silky mouthfeel that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and thins out the cream slightly to make the sauce pourable while packing more flavor into each bite. It’s a secret ingredient for boosting umami.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce and adds salty, nutty flavor. It thickens the sauce naturally and gives that restaurant-quality finish we all crave.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts the creamy sauce. It’s totally optional but gives a nice finishing touch.

4) How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. This will give you the perfect base for soaking up all that luscious sauce later. Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is best to hold up against the rich sauce.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the diced chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden, not brown, for the best flavor in your creamy garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. The cream should start to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese. It will melt quickly into the cream sauce, adding depth and a silky texture. This is when the magic happens—your sauce will start to thicken into a dreamy, cheesy consistency.

Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Let it simmer for another minute so the flavors can marry. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

One of the best tips for easy chicken recipes like this is to prep everything ahead of time. Cut your chicken, grate your cheese, and have your cream ready. This makes the cooking process smooth and quick. Another important tip is to not overcook your pasta—rigatoni should remain slightly firm to avoid a mushy texture when combined with sauce. Use freshly grated parmesan rather than the pre-packaged kind; it melts better and tastes richer. Deglaze your pan with a splash of chicken broth before adding the cream to pick up all the browned bits from the chicken. They carry incredible flavor. Don’t rush the garlic step—it needs just enough time to infuse the oil and butter without burning. These steps help turn a simple dish into one of your go-to easy dinner recipes, with a flavor payoff that tastes like hours in the kitchen.

6) Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni Ahead of Time

If you’re planning a dinner party or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is perfect. Prepare the full recipe and store the chicken and pasta mixture in an airtight container without the final garnish of parsley. Reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. The dish holds up well for 3-4 days and reheats like a dream. Just make sure to keep it sealed tightly to retain moisture and freshness. It’s also one of those quick evening snacks easy recipes you can turn to when you need something filling and fast after a long day. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers taste just as good—if not better—the next day.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni

Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Reheat over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. It’s an easy food recipe to prep in batches and enjoy over a few days without losing flavor or texture. Just remember not to freeze it, as cream-based sauces tend to separate after thawing. For a full meal, consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread.

8) Try these Chicken recipes next!

9) Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni