Imagine sinking your fork into golden, tender chicken morsels swimming in a luscious sea of creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, all perfectly hugging robust rigatoni pasta. That’s exactly what the Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe delivers—a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish balances rich flavors and satisfying textures, from the crisp chicken bites to the velvety sauce, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the delightful harmony of taste and texture in this recipe. From the crispy chicken breasts to the creamy Parmesan cheese, every item brings something special to the table.
- Chicken Breasts (2 pieces): Patting them dry ensures a beautiful golden sear that locks in juices for tender bites.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing the chicken with just the right amount of flavor and a light crispness.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and depth to the garlic butter base without overpowering.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic base.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and a beautiful color—but feel free to skip if you’re out of it.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): The ultimate simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Rigatoni (12 ounces): Short, ridged pasta that perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce; other short pasta works too.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates the luxurious, velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Adds sharp, nutty depth and signature cheesiness for pure indulgence.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A bright, herbal garnish that lightens up the richness beautifully.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture—this little step ensures they’ll sear beautifully instead of steaming. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces for easy, even cooking and plenty of crispy edges to love.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Sauté until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika while cooking to develop a flavorful crust. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step builds a fragrant, buttery foundation that will infuse the whole dish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Bring to a gentle simmer and then slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where all the indulgence happens, coating every piece of chicken and pasta in cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Cook the Rigatoni
Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken bites to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped fresh parsley sprinkled over the top brings a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. Add a little extra Parmesan for those who love cheese as much as I do!
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic-roasted vegetables to add texture and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in rustic, deep plates that hold all the creamy sauce. For an extra-special touch, top with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of heat and crunch. Inviting and elegant, it’s perfect for impressing friends or family at your next dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce may thicken quite a bit, but that can be easily remedied when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead, portion out and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because its ridges hold the sauce well, short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli will also pair wonderfully.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative and using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish is mild by default, but if you like heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or garnish with chili oil.
What type of garlic works best?
Fresh minced garlic is best for vibrant flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a quick alternative—just adjust amounts to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spoil yourself or your loved ones with a truly comforting yet sophisticated meal, the Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe is an unbeatable choice. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your heart with joy. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to for cozy nights in.
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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
Description
This indulgent recipe features cheesy garlic butter chicken bites served with rigatoni pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, the chicken is sautéed to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce before being combined with tender rigatoni and a luscious cream and cheese sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish balances hearty flavors and creamy textures for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (patted dry for better searing)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (enhances flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (can be omitted if unavailable)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Pasta & Cream Sauce
- 12 ounces Rigatoni (can substitute with other short pasta)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (creates creamy base)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the rigatoni: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Slice and combine chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken bites and cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich flavors and creamy texture of this indulgent chicken and pasta dish.
Notes
- Patting chicken dry ensures a perfect sear and better texture.
- Paprika adds subtle smokiness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce consistency and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning of the sauce after adding cheese to balance saltiness.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream (optional).
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
