Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

Imagine the ultimate cozy comfort food: tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a garlicky seasoning, nestled among perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce with an irresistible hint of Italian herbs. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta—a dish that delivers everything you love about creamy Italian-American dinners in each bite. This recipe is easy enough for a weekday treat, but elegant enough to wow guests or make any evening extra special.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple, quality ingredients come together to create the unforgettable flavor and luxurious texture of this dish. Each item pulls its weight: building flavor, providing structure, and finishing the Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta with a flourish of color and creaminess.

• Rigatoni pasta: Those signature ridges are perfect for capturing every bit of luscious, cheesy sauce.
• Olive oil: A generous drizzle adds richness and helps achieve golden, flavorful chicken pieces.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these soak up the garlicky seasoning and stay juicy.
• Garlic powder: Infuses every bit of chicken with a dependable, mellow garlic flavor.
• Italian seasoning: An easy blend of herbs that lends a true Italian feel to each mouthful.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—don’t skimp!
• Black pepper: Adds warmth and balances the creamy sauce.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Gives real punch and depth to the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth, silky roux while adding extra flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening that dreamy, cheese-loaded sauce.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess without making the sauce too heavy.
• Heavy cream: The not-so-secret ingredient for an ultra-luxurious texture (swap in half-and-half for a lighter version).
• Chicken broth: Provides savory notes and keeps the sauce flavorful but not overly rich.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts perfectly into the sauce, bringing both taste and a touch of saltiness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For added stretch and cheesiness—always a crowd-pleaser.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat for those who crave a bit of a kick.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package directions until al dente—the pasta should still have a little bite, so it can stand up to the creamy sauce. Drain well and set aside, drizzling with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if you like.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper so each piece gets a flavorful coating. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want all those flavorful brown bits!), reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about one minute. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the garlic and whisk for another 1 to 2 minutes. This forms the base for your luscious sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce

Gradually add the whole milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for about five minutes until the sauce has thickened just slightly. Now, stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until they melt completely into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy wonder. If you love a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes here.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet, gently stirring them into the bubbling sauce until they’re evenly coated. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss everything together, making sure the pasta is swimming in that rich, velvety cloak. Let everything heat through for a minute or two so the flavors come together beautifully.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take your skillet off the heat and sprinkle in freshly chopped parsley to finish. The vibrant green adds both color and fresh flavor, making Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta irresistible, both to look at and to eat.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing says “special” like showering your dish with extra love: a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, and maybe even a little crack of black pepper right before serving. The fresh parsley brightens every bite, while that extra Parmesan brings out the savory richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is hearty enough to shine solo, but it also loves company. Try pairing Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, some roasted broccoli or asparagus for added veg, or a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style in a big, beautiful bowl right at the center of the table for everyone to help themselves. For date night or special occasions, try plating generous heaps on individual plates and topping each with extra cheese and parsley. You can also present Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta in small ramekins as part of a pasta tasting menu for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta keeps surprisingly well! Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making the next-day serving almost as tempting as the first.

Freezing

If you’re planning to freeze, let the pasta cool first, then portion it into freezer-safe containers (preferably in single servings for quick lunches). Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and warm gently in a covered saucepan or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Take care not to overheat, as creamy sauces can separate—low and slow is the way to go!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fabulous at hugging the creamy sauce, you can substitute penne, ziti, fettuccine, or rotini—whatever you have on hand will work, though short tubes are especially great.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, simply chop it and add it to the sauce just long enough to heat through. You’ll cut down on cooking time while still enjoying all the flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta.

Can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, use low-fat milk, or reduce the cheeses slightly. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still creamy and delicious.

What vegetables can I add?

This recipe welcomes extra veggies! Add steamed broccoli florets, wilted spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms during the final toss for color, nutrition, and flavor. It’s a wonderful way to sneak more greens into your meal.

How do I keep the sauce smooth and creamy?

The key is to whisk constantly when adding the milk, cream, and broth, and to add the cheese off the heat or on low to prevent clumping or separating. If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, just add a splash more milk and stir until creamy again.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Rigatoni Pasta is warm, comforting, and downright crave-worthy—especially when shared with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own; it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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