Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is like a warm hug for your taste buds, a delightful embrace of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. The aroma alone will have you dreaming of Italian countryside dinners, where laughter flows as freely as the wine. Creamy garlic chicken recipe This dish is fancy enough to impress your in-laws but cozy enough for a weeknight family dinner. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- What sides pair best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine twirling your fork through vibrant rigatoni noodles, each bite coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce that dances on your palate. You’ll want to savor every mouthful, perhaps even making exaggerated “yum” sounds that will have your family eyeing you suspiciously—are you really that excited about dinner? Spoiler alert: yes, yes you are!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The creamy sauce envelops every noodle in savory goodness
- Visually appealing with its golden hue, it looks just as good as it tastes
- This versatile dish pairs beautifully with salads or crusty bread for a complete meal
I remember the first time I made Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni; my friends were over for movie night. Their reactions were priceless—wide eyes and happy dance moves ensued when they took their first bites. Garlic grilled chicken bites It’s one of those dishes that instantly becomes a favorite.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Rigatoni Pasta: Opt for high-quality pasta; it holds the sauce beautifully and offers a satisfying chew.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use around 3-4 breasts depending on servings needed; they’re quick to cook and absorb flavors well.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; this is where the magic begins!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated works best; it melts beautifully and adds a nutty richness to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Gives our sauce that luscious texture; don’t skimp here—go full cream or go home!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that silky sauce consistency we all crave.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish with aromatic notes—don’t skip this step!
- Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings that bring out all flavors; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients before starting. Chop the garlic finely and grate the parmesan cheese for easy access during cooking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through.
Add Garlic: Once chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest. Add minced garlic to the remaining butter in the pan; sauté until fragrant but not burnt.
Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with garlic. Stir well while scraping up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom.
Add Cheese: Gradually mix in freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until it’s melted and silky smooth. Stir continuously to prevent clumping.
Toss Everything Together: Slice rested chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it along with cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Toss until everything is well combined and coated in creamy goodness.
And there you have it! Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni hot, sprinkled with extra parmesan if you’re feeling cheeky—and trust me, you will be! Enjoy every last forkful because this dish deserves nothing less than total devotion!
You Must Know
- This delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl
- The creamy sauce and savory garlic aroma will have everyone at the table smiling, and it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the creamy garlic sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes at the same time without overcooking any ingredients.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also play with seasonings—adding red pepper flakes can spice things up!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, consider using fresh garlic instead of powdered
- It enhances flavor significantly
- Also, avoid overcooking your pasta; it should be al dente for that perfect bite
- Lastly, fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness!
Sharing this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni recipe with friends was one of my best decisions—their delighted faces were priceless, turning dinner into a mini celebration every time. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole Recipe recipe.

FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well with this creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
What sides pair best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
Garlic bread and a fresh garden salad complement this dish beautifully. Garlic bread snacks.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a heartwarming dish that brings the essence of Italian comfort food right to your table. This creamy, flavorful pasta is adorned with tender chicken and enveloped in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With its delightful aroma and satisfying taste, every forkful feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by mincing the garlic and grating the parmesan cheese.
- Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine while scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg





