Introduction
If you love pasta as much as I do, then Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is going to be your new weeknight favorite! I still remember the first time I made this recipe at home—my kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria, and within minutes, everyone was asking, “When’s dinner ready?”
» Did you know that over 60% of pasta lovers rank creamy Parmesan-based sauces as their all-time favorite? That’s because Parmesan adds depth, nuttiness, and just the right balance of flavor when paired with garlic and cream. Add juicy chicken and rigatoni pasta that perfectly holds the sauce, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate bowl of comfort food.
Today, I’ll guide you on how to make it, what ingredients to swap if you’re short on time, and tips for making it restaurant-quality at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping, this recipe will quickly become a weekly favorite!
So let’s get started!
🍝 What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
» Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a creamy pasta dish that takes comfort food to the next level. Unlike plain Alfredo, this version adds extra garlic depth, nutty Parmesan richness, and perfectly seared chicken for a heartier, more satisfying bowl. Rigatoni, with its ridges, holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful and creamy.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
» Extra Creamy – Thanks to heavy cream and fresh Parmesan.
» Protein-Packed – Juicy chicken makes it a complete meal.
» Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters can’t resist.
» Quick & Easy – Perfect for quick appetizers & weekend nights.
🍴 Kitchen Equipment for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
To make this creamy pasta dish smooth and hassle-free, here’s the essential kitchen gear you’ll need:
» Large Pot – For boiling rigatoni pasta.
» Grater or Microplane – For grating cheese.
» Whisk – Helps blend Parmesan into the sauce smoothly.
» Colander – To drain pasta (don’t forget to save some pasta water!).
» Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For chopping garlic and slicing chicken.
» Tongs or Wooden Spoon – For stirring and tossing the pasta with sauce.
» Serving Bowl or Pasta Plates – To serve your dish family-style or individually.
» Measuring Cups & Spoons – To measure cream, Parmesan, and seasonings accurately.
» Deep Skillet or Large Sauté Pan – To cook the chicken and make the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
Here’s everything you need to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni (and yes, you probably have most of these in your pantry already!):
» Heavy Cream + Milk
» Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor.
» Rigatoni Pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
» Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
» Butter & Olive Oil – Adds richness and prevents burning.
» Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated (never pre-shredded for best melt).
» Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional chili flakes.
» Fresh Parsley – For garnishing
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
» Follow these steps to make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible:
👥 Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🛌 Resting Time: 3 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 37 minutes
👉 Total Estimated Cost: $17.50 (approx.)
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
♥ Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1–2 teaspoons of salt (this seasons the pasta from within).
♥ Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 10–11 minutes.
♥ Drain the pasta but reserve 1 cup of pasta water before discarding. This starchy liquid is key to adjusting your sauce’s thickness later.
Step 2️⃣ : Prepare & Cook the Chicken
♥ Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels. This helps them sear instead of steam.
♥ You can season the chicken with salt, pepper & Italian seasoning.
♥ Now, you need to heat the 1 tablespoon of butter & olive oil in a skillet on a medium-high flame.
♥ It’s time to cook the chicken for at least 5–10 minutes on each side until you get a golden brownish texture and perfectly cooked chicken.
♥ Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized cubes.
💡 Pro Tip: Resting keeps the chicken juicy and prevents all the flavor from running out when you cut it.
Step 3️⃣ : Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
♥ Now, on the same skillet on the medium flame, add 2–3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic.
♥ Sauté for about 30 seconds–1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn—it turns bitter quickly).
♥ Stir in 1 cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
♥ Slowly whisk in 1 to 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it well until you get a creamy texture sauce.
♥ Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
💡 Pro Tip: Add Parmesan gradually, whisking as you go. Dumping it all at once can cause clumps.
Step 4️⃣ : Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce
♥ Now, it’s time to add the drained rigatoni with the sauce to a skillet.
♥ Toss gently until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy goodness.
♥ Add the sliced chicken back in, stirring everything together.
♥ If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
💡 Pro Tip: The pasta will continue absorbing sauce as it sits, so keep it a little saucy before serving.
Step 5️⃣ : Garnish, Serve, and Enjoy!
♥ Transfer to a serving bowl or plate.
♥ Now, you can garnish with fresh parsley with a touch of Parmesan, and a pinch of red chili flakes to add spiciness!
♥ Serve hot with garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies on the side.
💡 Pro Tip: Always serve pasta immediately for the creamiest texture. Reheating tends to thicken the sauce, so enjoy it fresh if possible.
Instruction For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Sauce
» The magic of this dish lies in the creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce that coats every piece of rigatoni. It’s velvety, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky richness—better than most restaurant sauces!
Ingredients
♥ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
♥ 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
♥ 1 cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk
♥ 1 ½ cups Parmesan (freshly grated)
♥ Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter + oil, sauté garlic (30 sec).
- Stir in cream + milk, simmer gently.
- Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
💡 Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Sauce
» Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
» Low to medium heat only – Prevents sauce from separating or burning.
» Balance flavors – Taste and adjust salt/pepper before tossing with pasta.
» Adjust with pasta water – Adds silkiness and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
» Want your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni to taste just like it came out of an Italian restaurant?
Here are some pro tips:
» Cook pasta al dente – Don’t overboil.
» Always grate fresh Parmesan cheese for smooth melting.
» Save pasta water – Use it to loosen the sauce and make it silky.
» Don’t overcook chicken – Keep it juicy by searing until golden, then slicing.
» Sauté garlic gently – Too high heat can make it bitter; low-medium is best.
» Stir sauce continuously – Prevents clumping and ensures creamy consistency.
» Garnish generously – Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan take it to the next level.
🌿 Garnish & Presentation Tips
» Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving.
» A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness.
» Red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick for spice lovers.
» Pair with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete Italian feast.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
Want to change things up? Here are some tasty variations:
» Shortcut – Use rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.
» Spicy Kick – Toss in red pepper flakes or cayenne.
» Seafood Twist – Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
» Light Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
» Veggie Touch – You can use mushrooms, spinach, or dried tomatoes.
❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips
» Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
» Reheat with a splash of milk.
» Avoid over-microwaving chicken—it can dry out.
» Freeze sauce separately (up to 2 months) for easy make-ahead dinners.
Ingredient Substitutes for This Garlic Chicken Recipe
Sometimes you’re missing an ingredient (or want to lighten things up). Don’t worry—these easy swaps keep the flavor delicious!
| Main Ingredient | Substitutes | Notes / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Chicken thighs, turkey, or shrimp | Adds variety & richer flavor |
| Rigatoni | Penne, ziti, fusilli | Other short pastas hold sauce well |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-half, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt | Lightens up the dish |
| Parmesan Cheese | Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano | Similar nutty, salty taste |
| Butter | Olive oil or ghee | Healthier/lactose-free option |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable broth or white wine | Adds different depth of flavor |
💡 Chef’s Tip: If you’re making this for a crowd, you can turn it into a pasta bake by adding mozzarella on top and baking until bubbly and golden.
» Rigatoni Pasta ➝ Penne, ziti, rotini o anche fettuccine.
» Chicken Breast ➝ Chicken thighs (juicier), shredded rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp. 🦐
» Heavy Cream ➝ Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk + a tablespoon of flour (for thickness).
» Parmesan Cheese ➝ Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
» Butter ➝ Olive oil, ghee, or plant-based margarine.
» Fresh Garlic ➝ You can use Garlic powder
» Parsley ➝ Basil.
» Olive Oil ➝ Avocado oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to make it lighter, swap half the pasta for steamed veggies like zucchini noodles or broccoli florets.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
Pair your creamy pasta with:
♥ Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
♥ A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
♥ Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli
♥ A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
♥ Served family-style in a big pasta bowl.
♥ As a baked version topped with mozzarella and breadcrumbs.
Best Alternate Recipes You Can Try Today!
If you loved the creamy comfort of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, here are some other pasta and chicken recipes you’ll want to try:
» Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Quick 20-minute seafood pasta with buttery garlic sauce.
» Chicken Alfredo Bake – A baked version of creamy pasta topped with melted mozzarella.
» Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rigatoni – Cheesy and veggie-packed comfort food twist.
» Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet – A one-pan meal with marinara, pasta, chicken, and gooey cheese.
» Four Cheese Rigatoni Bake – Extra cheesy and baked until golden brown.
» Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
» Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket Recipe
» Dolly’s Chicken & Stuffing Casserole Recipe
» Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone Sauce
» Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in butter + olive oil until golden and cooked through. Rest, then slice.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Stir in cream, milk, & then Parmesan cheese and whisk it prefectly until you get the smooth texture. Season to taste.
- Add pasta and chicken back into the sauce. Toss until coated, using pasta water to adjust thickness.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
- Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
- For a spicy twist, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried, and add veggies like spinach or broccoli for a lighter, nutrient-packed version.
What vegetables go well with this pasta?
Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes blend perfectly with creamy Parmesan sauce and add both flavor and nutrition.
How do I keep the sauce from clumping?
Always add Parmesan cheese slowly while whisking. Use freshly grated cheese, not pre-shredded, and keep the sauce on medium heat for smooth melting.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add veggies like mushrooms, roasted peppers, or zucchini. For protein, try chickpeas or crispy tofu tossed in the sauce.
Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or rotini work well because their shape holds the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce beautifully. Long pastas like fettuccine also pair deliciously.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it toward the end to warm through without drying out.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni gluten-free?
Yes, just swap rigatoni for gluten-free pasta. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce itself is naturally gluten-free when thickened with cheese instead of flour.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni in all its creamy, cheesy, garlicky glory! This is the kind of recipe that brings everyone running to the table and leaves no leftovers behind.
» Personally, this dish has become a go-to in my weekly dinner rotation. It’s quick, cozy, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. So next time you’re craving comfort food, skip takeout and whip up this rigatoni instead—you’ll thank yourself later!
Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own twist, this dish guarantees smiles at the dinner table. Now grab your skillet, boil that rigatoni, and let’s get cooking—your new favorite pasta recipe awaits! Finally, if you have any thoughts, write to us in the comment section below! – I’d love to hear from you!
Happy Cooking!
