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Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

The Ultimate Creamy Blackened Chicken Rigatoni

Are you craving a bowl of ultimate comfort food right in your own kitchen? There is nothing quite like the smell of garlic, butter, and cheese melting together on a cozy evening at home. This creamy blackened chicken rigatoni is the perfect domestic dinner solution, offering rich flavors without needing to step foot outside your front door. If you are looking for a new family favorite, this one-pot garlic butter chicken rigatoni in parmesan sauce will absolutely hit the spot.

When life gets busy, sitting around the dining table with a hearty, home-cooked meal is the perfect way to reconnect. This recipe is designed for the everyday kitchen, utilizing simple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every single piece of rigatoni.

Perfectly seasoned blackened chicken over creamy pasta.

Rich Flavors and Simple Ingredients

The secret to this dish lies in the perfectly seasoned chicken. We are using a robust blend of spices to create a gorgeous crust on the chicken breasts, locking in the juices while adding a savory depth that balances the richness of the parmesan cream sauce. When you slice into that tender chicken and drag it through the velvety cheese sauce, you will understand exactly why this is a staple in our home.

What makes this creamy chicken rigatoni so approachable is its straightforward process. It is a wonderfully forgiving recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners where you want maximum flavor with minimal stress. The heavy cream and cream cheese work together to create a luxurious, stable sauce. As it simmers on your stove, the entire house will fill with the irresistible aroma of minced garlic and Italian seasoning.

Ready to dig into dinner.
That creamy sauce is everything.

Why Rigatoni is the Perfect Choice

Let’s talk about the pasta. Rigatoni is the absolute best choice here. Those wide tubes and deep ridges are practically made to hold onto thick, creamy sauces. Every bite delivers the perfect ratio of al dente pasta to cheesy, garlicky goodness. Plus, when you top the hot pasta with freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan, you get that glorious, mouth-watering cheese pull that makes home cooking so incredibly rewarding.

You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry or fridge. A little butter, a splash of chicken broth, and a block of cream cheese are the humble beginnings of something truly extraordinary. If you want to customize this dish, it is incredibly versatile. You can easily toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of green, or stir in some cherry tomatoes to add a sweet, tangy bite.

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Ready to Serve

Whether you are hosting a casual weekend dinner with friends or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this garlic butter chicken rigatoni feels special yet wonderfully familiar. It is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, served in a warm ceramic bowl right at your kitchen table. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for that vibrant pop of color. Grab your favorite fork, get comfortable, and dive right into your new favorite pasta dish. Scroll down to the recipe card below for all the exact measurements and step-by-step instructions to recreate this magic in your own kitchen today.

Chicken Rigatoni in Parmesan Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
  • 12 oz rigatoni (uncooked)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside
  2. In the same pot, melt the remaining butter and incorporate the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the uncooked rigatoni, chicken broth, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rigatoni is al dente.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix well.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a veggie boost, toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Swap the chicken for cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal!
If you like a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic for some heat.
Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand; just adjust the cooking time accordingly!

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