Description
Get ready to fall in love with this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan—a quick dinner idea that delivers creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite. Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs tossed with tender rigatoni and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, all topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. This easy recipe is the perfect comfort food, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. If you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, or flavorful food ideas that please the whole family, this one’s a must-try!
Ingredients
400 g rigatoni pasta
500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Add the rigatoni to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Add the sliced chicken and Parmesan. Stir well to combine.
7. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy and tender.
If you want a richer sauce, add a splash of cream along with the butter.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: quick dinner, pasta recipe, garlic butter, chicken recipe, easy recipe, comfort food, food ideas