Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni for Weeknight Dinner

Weeknight dinners don’t need to be bland, boring, or rushed. Enter Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni—a comforting, hearty pasta dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. This creamy pasta combines the satisfying chew of rigatoni with tender pieces of seared chicken and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that wraps around every bite.

What makes this dish stand out is the perfect harmony between texture and flavor. Rigatoni, with its deep ridges and tube shape, is ideal for capturing thick, cheesy sauces. This makes it a go-to choice in traditional Italian pasta recipes, especially ones involving cream-based sauces like this. For a deeper dive into what makes rigatoni pasta such a versatile choice, learn more here. Meanwhile, the creamy base enhanced by Parmesan cheese provides a rich, nutty layer of flavor that ties everything together (Parmesan cheese benefits).

The appeal of this recipe isn’t just in its flavor. It’s also incredibly weeknight-friendly. You only need one pan and about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s an ideal solution for busy households craving something indulgent yet easy. The simplicity of this dish makes it perfect for everything from weeknight family dinners to impromptu gatherings. If you’re searching for more comfort food dinner ideas, check out this roundup for inspiration.

Even better, the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen—boneless chicken breast, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. If not, they’re easy to find. With a few everyday staples, you can create something that feels special without being complicated. The combination of classic flavors and straightforward prep makes this a dish you’ll turn to again and again.

Ready to upgrade your weeknight dinner game? This creamy rigatoni is not just easy—it’s a craveable comfort meal that satisfies every time.

Ingredient Spotlight

Crafting the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. From the sturdy shape of the pasta to the rich, cheesy sauce, every component contributes to the dish’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Pasta: Rigatoni

• Rigatoni is a tubular pasta with ridges that make it ideal for holding onto thick sauces.

• Its large diameter and ridged surface are perfect for creamy, cheesy combinations.

• It holds up well during cooking and reheating, making it ideal for leftovers.

• Learn more about why rigatoni pasta is a staple in creamy Italian dishes by visiting this resource.

Protein: Chicken Breast

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean, high in protein, and cooks quickly.

• Cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and better sauce distribution.

• Searing the chicken in olive oil develops flavor and locks in moisture.

Sauce Base: Garlic, Butter, Flour (Roux)

• Minced garlic forms the flavor backbone of the dish, bringing aroma and depth. Garlic also offers notable health benefits.

• Butter adds richness, while the flour creates a roux—the classic thickening agent in French and Italian cooking (what is a roux?).

• This base ensures a smooth, glossy finish for the sauce.

Creamy Components: Heavy Cream, Parmesan, Mozzarella

• Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety texture. Learn how it enhances sauces here.

• Parmesan cheese provides salty, nutty depth. Freshly grated is best for melting and flavor.

• Mozzarella cheese adds body and stretch—see its versatility in recipes here.

Seasonings: Italian Herbs, Salt, Pepper

• A teaspoon of Italian seasoning blends herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dish a classic Mediterranean vibe. You can explore more about culinary herbs here.

• Don’t skip the salt and pepper, which enhance all the other flavors.

Optional Additions

• Fresh parsley as a garnish offers color and freshness.

• Add red pepper flakes for a gentle heat kick.

• Explore weeknight pasta recipes with similar flexible ingredient sets here.

Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in the final dish. Opt for block cheeses you grate yourself, real cream, and fresh herbs when possible. The balance of textures and flavors in this recipe depends on the freshness and integrity of its parts, ensuring each bite is indulgent yet balanced.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions With Tips

Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is straightforward, but a few smart techniques can elevate the flavor and texture significantly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this dish with helpful tips included along the way.

Cook the Rigatoni

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes).

• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Tip: Don’t overcook. Al dente pasta holds its shape and soaks up sauce without becoming mushy. Need inspiration for more one-pot pasta dishes? Browse these ideas.

Season and Cook the Chicken

• While the pasta cooks, season 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces) with salt and pepper.

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Tip: Sear the chicken in a single layer and avoid stirring too much. This builds a better crust and flavor.

Make the Garlic Butter Roux

• In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter.

• Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Whisk in 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a light roux. Learn how a roux helps thicken sauces here.

Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown—this can make it bitter. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Create the Creamy Sauce

• Slowly whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth.

• Keep whisking until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

• Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

Tip: Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping or separation. Curious how cream works in sauces? Explore more here.

Assemble the Dish

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the rigatoni.

• Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

• Cover with a lid and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier consistency.

Garnish and Serve

• Top with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

• Add a few cracks of black pepper and serve hot.

This method ensures your rigatoni stays tender, your chicken juicy, and your sauce luxuriously creamy. For more creamy pasta inspiration that works perfectly for busy nights, check out comfort food dinner ideas that keep it simple but flavorful.