This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce and tender rigatoni for a meal that feels like dining at a restaurant—right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this dish is the perfect solution for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & creamy – A rich and creamy Parmesan sauce envelops the chicken and pasta.
- Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor-packed – The garlic and Italian seasoning bring bold flavors to every bite.
- Restaurant-quality – With juicy chicken and a decadent sauce, it feels like fine dining at home.
- Kid-friendly – The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy.
- Olive oil – For searing the chicken.
- Garlic (minced) – Adds depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs.
- Salt & pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken broth – Adds savory richness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream – For a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce.
For the Pasta:
- Rigatoni pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
For Garnish:
- Unsalted butter – For sautéing garlic and creating a silky sauce.
- Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice the chicken into strips.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, mixing continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Place the sliced chicken on top and toss again to fully combine everything.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add vegetables – Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Chicken thighs – Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Extra cheese – Add mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a gooey, extra cheesy dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti would work just as well in this recipe.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat and add the cooked pasta and chicken when ready to serve.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even results.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. You can also check by cutting into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink.
Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, but you may miss out on some of the creamy richness. You can try substituting it with grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, plant-based cream, and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. With golden chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own home in just 30 minutes!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is a rich and comforting dish with juicy chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender rigatoni pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For searing the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs.
- Salt & pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth – Adds savory richness to the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream – For a creamy, smooth texture.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce.
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – For sautéing garlic and creating a silky sauce.
- Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice the chicken into strips.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, mixing continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Place the sliced chicken on top and toss again to fully combine everything.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add vegetables: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Chicken thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Extra cheese: Add mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a gooey, extra cheesy dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Pan-searing, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
