Description
Creamy, rich, and satisfying, Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo is the ultimate easy dinner recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With golden pan-seared chicken, tender rigatoni pasta, and a homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a comfort food classic perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or hearty food ideas for family nights, this easy recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Set aside to rest, then slice.
3. Boil rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
4. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Reduce heat to low and slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
8. Cook everything together for 1–2 minutes more to let the flavors combine, then serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps bind and loosen the sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken alfredo, creamy pasta, rigatoni recipe, comfort food, food ideas