If you are craving a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly comforting, the Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bites perfectly seared and tossed in a creamy, garlicky, buttery sauce that hugs every rigatoni pasta tube with a luscious blanket of cheese. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a spectacularly indulgent meal, perfect for a weeknight treat or a cozy weekend feast with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender chicken, the creamy Parmesan sauce, or the perfectly cooked rigatoni that holds it all together. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect bite-sized bites.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, providing a nice golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: The heart of the creamy garlic sauce for richness and depth.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious base of our cheesy sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness and umami.
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully; penne is a great alternative.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and remain juicy. Patting them dry with paper towels is key to getting that perfect sear. Next, generously season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning creates the first layer of flavor that will shine through in the finished dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of these fats adds complexity to the sear and enriches the sauce later on. When the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Step 3: Cook the Rigatoni Until Al Dente
While your chicken is sizzling, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until just al dente. Cooking pasta to this point ensures it will absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will help to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Return your skillet to medium heat and melt the remaining butter. Add in the freshly minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this step is crucial to capture the signature garlicky aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir frequently as it simmers for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become rich and velvety.
Step 5: Combine and Coat the Rigatoni and Chicken
Gently fold in the cooked rigatoni and seared chicken pieces into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together carefully so each rigatoni tube gets fully coated in the luscious garlic butter and cheesy mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency, making the dish perfectly saucy and satisfying.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Dish out the pasta and chicken onto plates or a large serving dish. For a burst of freshness and a beautiful finish, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top. This step adds an inviting pop of color and flavor that complements the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like freshly chopped parsley brighten the dish both visually and in taste, cutting through the richness. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is fantastic for those who love a little heat, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a subtle fruity depth.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables balances the creaminess wonderfully. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia is also an excellent side to sop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls to hold all that wonderful sauce, or for a dinner party, twirl some rigatoni into individual nests on each plate for a sophisticated look. Adding a few whole grilled lemon slices or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can also bring an unexpected twist that delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the chicken bites from the pasta or freeze everything together in a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 month for best quality. Be mindful that the texture of pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick or dry. This will help revive the creamy texture and avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully because its ridges hold the sauce well, penne, ziti, or even farfalle can be great alternatives in this dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The paprika adds a gentle smokiness and mild heat, but it is not overly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference or add chili flakes for more kick.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may not be quite as thick or rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for this recipe’s vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be used. Just add it to the sauce to let it bloom with the heat.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream. Use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to keep it cheesy without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table, give the Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni Recipe a try. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors with tender chicken bites and perfectly cooked pasta that simply melts in your mouth. Prepare to fall in love with this dish as it becomes a beloved classic in your recipe rotation!
Print
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
Savor the rich flavors of these Indulgent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired perfectly with al dente rigatoni pasta, all coated in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. This quick and comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels gourmet yet is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (adjust based on spice preference)
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (key for creamy sauce)
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for rich base)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces Rigatoni Pasta (can substitute with penne)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and butter is melted, add the chicken bites. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make Garlic Cream Sauce: Return skillet to medium heat and melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked rigatoni and seared chicken into the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, ensuring the pasta and chicken are fully coated.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites with rigatoni immediately. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or any similar pasta shape.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting properties.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
