If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances comfort and elegance, you’ve absolutely got to try this Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of tender chicken bites enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, smothered with gooey Parmesan cheese, and tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. Each mouthful delivers a rich, creamy experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it a go-to meal whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential—they build layers of incredible flavor, texture, and color that bring this dish to life. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal you’ll keep coming back to.
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has tender, juicy chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Perfectly seasons the chicken to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite and balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and a lovely color to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Ideal for a golden, crispy sear on chicken pieces.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: The cornerstone for the creamy and dreamy sauce.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses an irresistible aroma and depth.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates the rich base that brings all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that authentic, nutty, cheesy flavor.
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta: Wide tubes that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully (penne works too!).
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: Chopped to add a lovely pop of color and freshness as garnish.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce later on. Patting the pieces dry with paper towels is key for getting a nice sear. Then, season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds that subtle warmth and vibrant color, making your chicken visually irresistible.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This caramelization locks in juiciness and adds amazing flavor that will shine through in every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni Pasta Al Dente
While the chicken sears, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until just tender but still firm to the bite. This texture keeps your noodles from turning mushy when they mix with the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a handy secret weapon for adjusting your sauce consistency if needed.
Step 4: Create the Luscious Garlic Butter Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, then add the freshly minced garlic. Sauté the garlic just until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute—this step is crucial to avoid bitterness. Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a silky, cheesy dream.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Rigatoni, and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked rigatoni and golden chicken bites back into the creamy Alfredo sauce. Stir well so every piece and noodle is fully coated in that indulgent garlic butter magic. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it even more velvety.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish With Fresh Parsley
Now comes the best part—serving up your masterpiece! Plate the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites with rigatoni with extra sprinkled Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a fresh, vibrant note and a splash of color that makes this dish as beautiful as it tastes.
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, bringing bright color and a mild herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness. If you want to kick it up a notch, freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red chili flakes can add a cheeky little heat. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors deliciously.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. Think baby arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic. A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is another fantastic companion—it soaks up every last drop of that indulgent sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the chicken bites and rigatoni in individual shallow bowls to showcase the sauce’s creamy texture. Layering the pasta and chicken in a ceramic baking dish topped with extra Parmesan, then broiling until golden can give it a delightful crust. Experiment with colorful edible flowers or microgreens on top for a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy finish at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight. Just make sure to give it a good stir when warming up to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a rainy day, this Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and creamy consistency.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid overheating to fully enjoy all that cheesy garlic butter goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and hollow center trap the sauce perfectly, penne, farfalle, or even fusilli can also work wonders in this recipe.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind it might affect the richness and thickness of the sauce slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! The chicken, pasta, and sauce all reheat wonderfully, making this dish a perfect contender for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How do I get the chicken pieces crispy?
Make sure to dry the chicken well before seasoning and searing, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Giving each piece enough space allows them to brown instead of steam.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious, adding extra flavor and nutrients while complementing the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings joy with every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, fresh ingredients and just the right touch of indulgence. I truly hope you try making it soon because sharing a plate of creamy, cheesy goodness like this is practically an act of love. Bon appétit!
Print
Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni. This hearty and comforting meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build the base flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to use later in the sauce if needed for consistency.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add any remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Gently fold the drained rigatoni and seared chicken into the creamy Alfredo sauce in the skillet, ensuring every piece is well coated with the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites with rigatoni immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra savory finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust the paprika quantity to your spice tolerance—more for heat, less for mildness.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, reserved pasta water helps to loosen it without watering down the flavor.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Rigatoni can be swapped for penne or other tube-shaped pastas depending on preference.
