Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

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Golden, juicy chicken infused with garlic butter, served alongside tender rigatoni drenched in a creamy Alfredo sauce — this dish is everything comfort food should be. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you slow down and savor each bite, rich with flavor and texture in every forkful.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or trying to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat, this cheesy garlic butter chicken rigatoni hits the spot. The Alfredo is smooth and luscious, the rigatoni perfectly catches all that creamy sauce, and the garlic-herb chicken packs a punch that takes this from good to unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero. It combines familiar, family-favorite flavors with just the right amount of indulgence. The creamy Alfredo clings to every tube of rigatoni, while the pan-seared garlic butter chicken delivers savory, golden perfection. You get restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant price tag or effort.

Plus, this dish is easy to adapt. Add some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms for extra flavor. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is ideal here because of its large, ridged shape that holds onto the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly. However, if you don’t have rigatoni on hand, penne or ziti are good substitutes. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine for this recipe—you want every bite to be loaded with both chicken and sauce.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Every ingredient in this dish plays a key role in delivering big flavor and comforting texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Rigatoni Pasta – Its wide tubes and ridges are perfect for soaking up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Chicken Breast – Lean, juicy, and easy to season. It’s the protein base for the dish.
• Butter – Used to sear the chicken and add rich, nutty depth.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter and chicken with a punchy, aromatic flavor.
• Heavy Cream – This forms the silky base of the Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Essential for that salty, cheesy bite and for thickening the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Adds melty, stretchy goodness to the creamy Alfredo.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Balances and enhances the flavors of every ingredient.
• Parsley (fresh or dried) – Adds a fresh herbal finish and color contrast.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Garlic Butter Chicken

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Add seasoned chicken breast chunks and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently, then add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked rigatoni and chicken to the skillet. Stir well so the pasta is coated and the chicken is nestled in the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley for a final touch.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Spoon onto plates or bowls and serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm. Optionally top with more Parmesan or black pepper for extra flavor.

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How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

This dish is best served hot and fresh off the stove. The creamy sauce is at its peak just after combining with the pasta and chicken. This recipe generously serves 4 to 5 people, making it a perfect family meal or a satisfying dinner with leftovers to spare.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces can separate after thawing.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with crispy garlic bread to mop up every bit of that creamy Alfredo sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and tangy dressing brings balance to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds a healthy touch and a bit of bite to contrast the creamy rigatoni.

Sauteed Spinach

A quick sauté of spinach with garlic pairs beautifully and brings in some earthy greens.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make a light and refreshing side.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple yet flavorful, green beans add color and crunch without overpowering the main dish.

A Glass of White Wine

Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to elevate your dining experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or cube it and add it to the Alfredo sauce when combining with the pasta. You’ll skip the searing step but still get great flavor.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and a little cream cheese if you’re looking to lighten it up, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the regular rigatoni for a gluten-free version and make sure your Alfredo ingredients (especially the cheese and cream) are certified gluten-free.

4. How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when searing the chicken or stir them into the Alfredo sauce for a mild kick.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding mushrooms or swap in a different cheese? Did you go extra garlicky?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinner recipes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Alfredo Sauce is a comfort food dream come true. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and packed with tender chicken, it checks every box for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is a must-try favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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