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Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week. With tender seared chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, fresh broccoli, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s a family favorite that doubles as an impressive dinner for guests. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for those looking for quick meals, cozy food ideas, or hearty weeknight dinner ideas that feel like a restaurant-quality treat.


Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts

12 oz rigatoni pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.

3. Steam or blanch broccoli until just tender (4–5 minutes). Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

7. Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce.

8. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden (optional but recommended).

9. Serve warm and enjoy creamy comfort in every bite.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan to avoid a grainy sauce.

Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it becomes too thick.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken alfredo, pasta bake, rigatoni, easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, weeknight meal