Description
Craving the ultimate comfort food? These Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce deliver crispy, golden chicken and a luscious creamy pasta sauce in one unforgettable dish. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something rich, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, easy weeknight meals, or indulgent pasta recipes, this one checks all the boxes. A family favorite and crowd-pleaser, it’s bound to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 eggs beaten
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan.
3. Dredge the chicken bites in flour, then dip into egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Cook the chicken bites in batches until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water and drain.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
9. Add drained rigatoni to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
10. Plate the pasta, top with crispy chicken bites, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the creamiest Alfredo sauce — it melts better and avoids clumping.
Toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before breading for an extra crispy crust on the chicken.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust your Alfredo sauce’s consistency without watering down the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 ½ cups pasta with chicken
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: easy dinner, Alfredo pasta, garlic chicken, crispy chicken, rigatoni recipe