Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with rich and creamy pasta. This recipe brings the best of both worlds—savory flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish will certainly impress everyone at your table.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni because it’s both delicious and easy to prepare. The garlic butter adds a wonderful flavor to the chicken, while the creamy rigatoni complements the dish perfectly. It’s a hearty meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
Directions
- In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes.
- Add the butter and minced garlic, stirring for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the rigatoni pasta and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then add the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything melts into a thick, cheesy, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Every bite is loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and juicy garlic chicken.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni
Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni warm. You can place it in a large bowl or serve it directly from the skillet. For added flavor, consider topping it with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet, adding a little chicken broth or water to revive the creamy sauce.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it just until golden brown to keep it juicy.
- Use freshly minced garlic. Fresh garlic will enhance the flavor much more than powdered garlic.
- Adjust the creaminess. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less reserved pasta water; for a thinner sauce, add more.
Variation
For a bit of heat, add a few red pepper flakes or increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute rigatoni with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fettuccine.Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Rigatoni
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced Use freshly minced garlic for better flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta Can substitute with other pasta types.
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream Adjust for desired creaminess.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional) For a mild kick.
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes.
- Add the butter and minced garlic, stirring for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Cooking the Pasta
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the rigatoni pasta and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then add the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything melts into a thick, cheesy, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Final Assembly
- Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
