If you’re craving something truly comforting yet quick to whip up, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in 40 Minutes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pieces of chicken sautéed to perfection, swimming in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, all tossed with rigatoni pasta that holds every bit of that luscious goodness. It’s an indulgent dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but comes together faster than you’d expect, making weeknight dinners a joyful, hassle-free experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy sauce to the perfectly cooked rigatoni that soaks it all up beautifully.
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta: This pasta’s ridges are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce with every bite.
- 1 pound Chicken Breast: Cut into chunks to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced and sautéed to impart a fragrant and rich flavor base.
- 6 tablespoons Butter: The foundation of the sauce that creates a silky, luscious texture.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess that envelops the rigatoni and chicken.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Builds depth and savory notes without overpowering.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated to provide a sharp, salty finish that lifts the dish.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat that intensifies the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken until golden and juicy.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): Adds a bright, herbal note and a pop of color as garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in 40 Minutes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente following the package directions — usually about 10 minutes. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the sauce later, so you want it firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve about a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks seasoned with salt and pepper, and sear them until golden on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step locks in juiciness and adds a delightful crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is removed from the pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden, making your kitchen smell utterly irresistible. Be careful not to let it burn, as that would add bitterness.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add the chicken broth to the garlic butter and let it simmer gently for a few minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavor. Then stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a light simmer. The sauce will begin to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture that perfectly coats the rigatoni.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken is enveloped in that creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Season
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This final step elevates the dish, adding a salty, nutty richness that makes it absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in 40 Minutes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a refreshing brightness that contrasts with the creamy sauce, making your dish look as vibrant as it tastes. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for an appealing cheesy crust if desired.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome, colorful plate. Garlic bread is a classic companion that’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rigatoni in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a scattering of toasted pine nuts for added texture. You can also try sprinkling red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or serve it with a side of sautéed mushrooms to make it feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have a chance to meld together even more, making leftovers quite delicious.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta can sometimes alter the texture, if you want to store it longer, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much after cooling. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the creamy texture silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni’s ridges do an excellent job holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would work wonderfully if that’s what you have on hand.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in 40 Minutes Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Definitely! For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to maintain heartiness and flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on rich and savory flavors. You can add red pepper flakes during the cooking process if you like a bit of heat.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces and not overcooking are key. Searing over medium-high heat just until cooked through helps keep it juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in 40 Minutes Recipe has become a quick favorite in my home because it manages to be both indulgent and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a dish that brings comfort and smiles every time. I highly encourage you to try it soon and savor that wonderful creamy garlic butter sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni—it truly is worth every delicious minute.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in 40 Minutes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chunks of chicken, aromatic garlic, and a luscious butter and heavy cream sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. The rigatoni’s ridges beautifully hold the creamy, cheesy sauce, making every bite delightfully flavorful.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into chunks
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley or Basil, to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks, seasoning with salt and black pepper, and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and integrated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top if using, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Using rigatoni pasta helps the sauce cling to the ridges, enhancing flavor in every bite.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it’s helpful to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
