Description

If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavor with creamy comfort, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce will hit the spot. Golden, buttery chicken bites paired with al dente rigatoni in a rich Alfredo sauce—this is the kind of meal that makes any dinner feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a quick weeknight comfort food, or simply a rich and satisfying pasta recipe, this dish brings it all to the table. It’s one of those easy recipes that delivers big flavor without a ton of effort. A fantastic option for quick meals, family dinners, or even impressive last-minute food ideas.

Ingredients

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Italian seasoning

0.5 tsp salt

0.5 tsp black pepper

0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add chicken bites and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, lower heat and add remaining butter. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and thicken the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

7. Toss cooked rigatoni in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

8. Top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing to get the best crispy texture.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.

Add pasta water gradually if the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick after mixing.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 680
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: easy dinner, cheesy pasta, garlic chicken, rigatoni recipe, Alfredo chicken, comfort food, quick pasta