Get ready to fall in love with this Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe—a perfect dinner that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. Juicy chicken bites are seared to golden perfection and then tossed with rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce loaded with creamy Parmesan cheese. Every forkful melts in your mouth, combining savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors with just the right pop of fresh parsley. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and an effortless way to elevate a simple weeknight meal into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in this dish. From the tender chicken bites to the creamy cheese sauce and al dente rigatoni, these essentials come together beautifully to deliver that indulgent experience we all crave.
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps achieve a crispy sear; vegetable oil works fine too.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Bringing richness and depth to the chicken and sauce.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Fresh and minced to release fragrant garlicky aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Optional, but it adds a lovely hue and a mild smoky sweetness.
- 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta: Perfectly-sized tubes hold the sauce well; feel free to swap with your favorite pasta.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: For a luxuriously creamy sauce; coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key for that authentic, sharp, and nutty flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those fabulous flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with color and fresh herbal notes—basil makes a great substitute or omission is okay too.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps achieve a nice golden crust when searing. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for perfect, even cooking and easy bites. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika for that extra touch of flavor and color. Every seasoned piece will soon turn into a savory delight!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat—this combo gives you the best of both worlds: rich flavor and crisp searing power. Add the chicken pieces, spreading them out so they aren’t overcrowded. Cook until golden brown on all sides, locking in the juices and building a flavorful crust. That sizzling sound is music to the soul!
Step 3: Cook Rigatoni Pasta
While the chicken is searing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but remember to save a cup of the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later and keeping everything silky smooth.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt a little more butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—you want the aroma to fill your kitchen without burning the garlic. This step is where the magic begins, as garlic meets buttery richness in the most glorious way.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then, slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously as the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will bring it perfectly to life.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and gently fold in the cooked rigatoni. Toss everything together so every pasta piece gets lovingly coated with the buttery cheese sauce and chicken bites are nestled in perfectly. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes to marry all those flavors before plating.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your masterpiece by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese on top. These final touches add not only a burst of fresh flavor but also make your presentation pop with inviting color and texture. Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is my go-to for a vibrant, herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness. Additional Parmesan adds a sharp, salty contrast. For a little kick, crushed red pepper flakes also pair wonderfully with this dish.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is hearty and satisfying, I like to serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works wonderfully for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to impress, plate the rigatoni nests topped with chicken bites and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a vibrant touch. Serving it family-style in a large skillet at the table also creates an inviting, communal dining experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Be sure to separate pasta and chicken if you prefer to keep textures distinct.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if packaged properly in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze before adding fresh herbs. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creamy sauce consistency. Alternatively, microwaving in short intervals with stirring in between works well for quick reheating without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can be used just as well. Just make sure to cook them al dente for perfect texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheese sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep the dish creamy and indulgent without dairy.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, with gentle warmth from black pepper and optional paprika. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to kick up the heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving to cook, so they’re a great substitute for tender, flavorful bites.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
It’s best not to rinse pasta after cooking because rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the rigatoni, resulting in a more luscious dish.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe is truly a winner that brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for entertaining guests. Give yourself the gift of rich, creamy goodness with tender chicken bites and cheesy pasta—you’ll be making this recipe on repeat before you know it!
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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
Savor this indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni—a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (optional)
Cooking Fats and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, fresh minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Pasta
- 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta (or preferred pasta)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (or substitute with basil or omit)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to add color and flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked rigatoni to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Fold the seared chicken bites back into the sauce and pasta mixture, heating everything through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- You can swap rigatoni with penne, fusilli, or any preferred pasta shape.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; paprika is optional but adds nice color and depth.
- Reserve some pasta water if the sauce gets too thick to loosen it slightly when combining.
- Fresh minced garlic delivers the best aroma and flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
