This Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rigatoni Pasta is a quick, creamy, and satisfying dinner featuring juicy garlic butter chicken and tender rigatoni tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. A perfect 30-minute meal for busy weeknights!
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Rigatoni:
8 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2–3 tbsp reserved pasta water (if needed)
Cook pasta: Boil rigatoni according to package instructions. Reserve 2–3 tbsp pasta water; drain and set aside.
Cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken; set aside.
Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan; whisk until smooth.
Combine pasta: Toss drained rigatoni into sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen.
Finish dish: Return chicken to skillet. Stir to combine; heat 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Swap rigatoni with penne or fettuccine if desired.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.